He Was The Greatest

Published on January 17, 2012 by The Editor · No Comments

On his 70th, The Wowster recalls Ali’s most memorable moments when he was the greatest

He was truly the greatest. Since he retired from the ring, the fight game has lost its sheen for me.

Memories of 4 am appointments with greatness at the local cinema fill my memory.

Who can forget his real-time legendary battles with the Listons, the Fraziers and the Foremans, all great fighters, all eclipsed by Mohammed Ali.

Perhaps his greatest fight was against his own country, his refusal to fight in the obscene war in Vietnam. As such, it acted as a lightning rod to end that conflict.

In the flesh, his battle in the second fight against Frazier was my favourite, where both men fought to utter exhaustion and came out of it with heads high.

As a junior amateur boxer, I feel sure we will never see his like again.

I know this is a cliche that is trotted out time and time again. In this case, it’s right on the money.

The thrilla in Manila with Joe Frazier…

http://youtu.be/VkOQW-Y-PYA

The Wowster is the pen name of Nathan Goldberg, wowdewow publisher and founder. Watch out for his bolo punch. It quenches the thirst and tastes delicious.

Do feel free to comment on whether you think Ali is the greatest athlete of all time.

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