Free Muhammad Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest by Thomas Hauser

Jackson roughly rebutted. Christmas coming when Bruce Wright calls Joe and says it looks like something about to happen . . . Jerry Perenchio offer; $2.5 million for each fighter. Fight set for Madison Square Garden.
    Nation polarizing . . . Ali becoming hero of left and Frazier hero of right . . . Clay escalates feud to unsettle Frazier for fight . . . JF: “It got out of control.”
    JF hurt by Clay’s better ability to communicate to white press . . . JF becomes symbol of Ali’s oppression. Clay trying to make him appear enemy of black people.
    JF becoming aware of unpopularity with blacks. Began to find self perceived as “Uncle Tom.” Unfair but inevitable.
    JF: “Clay is a phony. He never worked. He never had a job. He don’t know nothing about life for most black people. He talks out both sides of his mouth. Doesn’t act as he preaches. Lies to the public. Gets people riled up. Exploits race problems and real black pride. No real minister would act that way.”
    Clay issues more inflammatory quotes. JF hurt and surprised when he intensifies insults. Real dislike growing.
    JF often teased in street . . . Reaction to being called ugly.
    JF: “Black people are ashamed of me. They don’t know what I’m really like.”
    JF thought Clay liked him . . . JF: “He never did. He wants to be bigger than everyone else, so he tries to make them small. Even when we signed to fight, he still looked down on me as nothing. I’m his black brother, but he used me.”
    Night before the fight. Joe tense, didn’t sleep . . . Believes he’ll win, but will feel no shame if he loses.
    In dressing room before fight, Futch is calm center of storm.
    Joe beats Clay in the most famous fight of all time. Knockdown, unanimous decision, little press disagreement. JF says afterward, “He’s the greatest I ever fought.”
    Traditionally, fighters who achieve great victory allowed to enjoy acclaim that goes with it. Loser treats winner with respect of fellow athlete, even if momentary controversy or rivalry very intense.
    JF victory tarnished. . . . Ali attacks Frazier after fight: “I didn’t lose the fight. The white people said I lost it.” . . . Spends next two years trying to diminish JF victory. Occasionally admitted he lost. But most often, in public, claimed he had won; that fight was “stolen” for “political reasons.”
    Period of title not as pleasant for JF as might have been. Clay attacks make victory appear suspect. JF not fully appreciated as a fighter or a man.
    JF: “Clay was responsible for my time as champion not being as happy as it could have been.”
    What it’s like to be champ: People awed. Everyone recognizes you, feels it’s an honor to be in your presence. JF visits Nixon at White House. Invited to speak before South Carolina legislature. Requests to appear on major TV shows. Marvels at how far he has come.
    JF setting stage for losing title. Too involved with being champ. Demands on time.
    Relationship with Yank changed. Not together as often. Joe more assertive.
    JF much too involved with music group, Joe Frazier and the Knockouts. Argued with Yank over music. Yank caved . . . Bad reviews for group. European tour bombs.
    Yank privately hurt by Joe. But Yank had changed also. Much more abrasive and self-important. Decided secretly that Joe should avoid tough fights. Didn’t tell Joe, who thought no contender would fight him.
    For 22 months, no tough fights . . . Two overmatched opponents, Terry Daniels and Ron Stander . . . JF didn’t work as hard. Overweight for both fights. Put less pressure on opponents, not doubling up. Wins came too easily.
    Eddie Futch saw changes in Joe. Tried to tell him. Can’t when still winning. JF feeling invincible.
    JF: “I lay my hands on and they fall.”
    JF: “Nobody can knock me out.”
    Joe decides he wants to fight George Foreman . . . Loses in two rounds.
    Dealing with defeat . . . “The former heavyweight champion of the world.”
    Back to the drawing