Muhammad Ali Spoke His Poem Over The Phone To Joe Frazier
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
- Fortunately for me, I was one of the cameraman on an incredible documentary called The Fight - between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier 1971. I got to hang around Muhammad Ali and hear some of his poetry. This is a scene from the feature-length documentary.
Muhammad Ali had a talent for poetry. His poems were spontaneous, witty, and reflective of his larger-than-life personality. Ali's poetry was characterized by its rhythm, rhyme, and humor, frequently used to taunt opponents, predict his victories, and express his philosophy on life and boxing. He often recited his poems publicly, adding to his charismatic and entertaining persona.
In this scene Muhammad Ali challenges Joe Frazier to a singing competition before their fight. Ali taunts Frazier about his singing abilities and confidence in the ring.
Frazier responds to Ali's taunts, indicating he is ready for the fight. The conversation between Ali and Frazier escalates with both fighters confident in their abilities. Ali expresses his determination to defeat Frazier and is focused on the upcoming fight.
Ali's poetry was typically composed extemporaneously, reflecting his quick wit and sharp mind. He used his poems as a form of psychological warfare against his opponents, boosting his own confidence while entertaining and engaging with the public. His verses were simple yet powerful, often highlighting his confidence, beliefs, and the socio-political issues of his time.
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”. Perhaps his most iconic line, this poem became synonymous with Ali's boxing style:Float like a butterfly,
Sting like a bee.
The hands can't hit
What the eyes can't see.
Muhammad Ali's poetry was more than just entertainment. It was a reflection of his personality, his beliefs, and his approach to life and sport. His words continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world, showcasing his ability to transcend the sport of boxing and become a cultural icon. His poems remain a testament to his wit, his charisma, and his indomitable spirit.
The fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, particularly their first bout on March 8, 1971, known as the "Fight of the Century," was one of the most significant and highly anticipated events in boxing history.
The fight took place during a tumultuous period in American history, marked by the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and significant social change. Ali, having been stripped of his title and boxing license for refusing the draft, represented defiance against the establishment, while Frazier was seen as the establishment’s champion.
Both fighters were undefeated at the time. Joe Frazier held the World Heavyweight Championship, and Ali, the former champion, was looking to reclaim his title. This added immense drama and significance to the bout.
The fight was not just a national event but a global spectacle. It captured the attention of millions around the world, transcending the sport of boxing to become a major cultural event.
Newspapers, magazines, television, and radio extensively covered the lead-up to the fight. The promotional campaigns were intense, with both fighters engaging in verbal sparring that heightened public interest.
The event drew numerous celebrities, politicians, and prominent figures from various fields, all of whom attended Madison Square Garden in New York City to witness the historic bout.
Intensity and Skill: The fight was a brutal, high-intensity contest that lasted all 15 rounds. Both fighters showcased remarkable skill, endurance, and determination.
Ali, known for his speed and agility, employed his famous "stick and move" strategy, aiming to outmaneuver and outbox Frazier.
Frazier’s Power: Frazier, known for his relentless pressure and powerful left hook, focused on breaking down Ali’s defenses and landing heavy blows.
Joe Frazier won the fight by unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 9-6, 11-4, and 8-6-1 in favor of Frazier. The victory solidified Frazier’s status as the undisputed heavyweight champion and handed Ali his first professional loss.
The "Fight of the Century" is remembered not just for the incredible athletic contest but also for its cultural and historical significance, embodying the era’s social struggles and the enduring human spirit of competition.
Never be another like him. A true original.
He was in a class by himself even then. Smart, tenacious and a speaker of poetry.
My brother and I were big Ali fans. He was not only the greatest of all time in the ring, but he was the greatest entertainer of all time outside the ring. The good old days when you could see this all for free on TV...if you adjusted the rabbit ears just right. There will never be another Ali.
I have never seen this clip of Muhammad Ali before very cool thanks for posting it, David Hoffman.
Whoo!!! The energy in that room!!!
If he lived like 20 years later he could have become a battle rapper if boxing didnt work out 😂
He sang a little song with Sam Cook, and he was good as well singing in harmony 😊
Legend
I'm in Louisville and what a wonderful tribute to visit here...The Ali Center!
Unsurpassed swagger! No athlete has ever had such a presence in front of a crowd and the media. Ali definitely was larger than life. Also, no competitor made Ali more fired up than Joe Frazier.
I grew up watching fights with my dad and every year on my birthday he would say Do you know what day it is? “IT’S MUHAMMAD ALI’S birthday! And also you.” He respected him so much for going to jail instead of war. I think only Tyson Fury is comparable for boxing skills and no one comparable for personality! ❤
Both Capricorns and both had confidence above the moon! I saw certain influences of Mohammed Ali in cartoons growing up too!
He was my hero all through my childhood! I learned so much from him! Still a fan!.
Thank you for this. I'm an Ali and Joe Frazier fan. That last fight between them...there hasn't been a battle like that since.
My dad was George Foremans leg man for years as well as SugarRayL (he was the insurer & trainer of) best time of my kid/teen life was being a gym & ringside brat observer of boxing culture of a Ali, Frazier,Foreman, SugRay, it was a magical time & they were all actually great friends & supported each other despite what they played out for media, i miss the sport, it hasn't been the same since that era,& Ali was even prettier than he claimed lol
🔥
LEGENDS!
EVERYONE read the video description. Select more right below the title
@GreenTea3699... 👍😉
he was the first rapper. before sugar hill
Nice 😁
Always been a fan of Ali but one thing I hate was when he calked Frazier a gorilla and really vicious stuff. It really hurt Fraziers kids. I saw,a documentary on Frazier and it made me reconsider some of my respect of Ali.
That was to motivate Joe.
mma is the same way - they talk so nasty and then when the fight’s over they hug and cry together. I think the 💩talk turns a lot of people off but some of them just can’t fight unless they’re mad, or they hope being mad will throw them off other guy off his game.