|
|
 |
Boxing's Best Fought on Wide World
|
|  | | Muhammad Ali was one of the most influential athletes ever to appear on ABC's Wide World of Sports. |
The battles that Muhammad Ali fought on Wide World are legendary. In 1967, Ali declared himself a conscientious objector and refused to be drafted by the United States Armed Forces. As a result, he was stripped of his World Heavyweight title, ridiculed by the press and prosecuted by the government.
Ironically, it was a former lawyer and World War II veteran turned sports broadcaster named Howard Cosell who publicly backed Ali's position.
This was just the beginning for Ali, as he moved from being simply a boxer to a legend that influenced the career of Sugar Ray Leonard and others.
Wide World memorable knockouts
Tale of the Tape | More on Ali
Angelo Dundee: No similarities between Ali and Sugar Ray
SportsCentury: Simply the Greatest
Sugar Ray, the sweet science
A young man from the city of Palmer Park, Md., won the gold medal at the 1976 Olympics and erupted onto the scene to help bridge the gap between Muhammad Ali and today's boxers. Just like Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard fought the best to be the best. Sugar Ray fought wars against Roberto Duran, "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler and Thomas "Hitman" Hearns to earn his respected place in Wide World and boxing history.
Leonard: Duran taught the art of psychological warfare
Leonard: Early beginnings | Hagler | Hearns
Dundee: Duran brought out the best in Ray
MORE BOXING COVERAGE
The first Ali-Frazier fight transcended sport
Halberstam: Ali wins another fight
Chat wrap: Joe Frazier
Page 2: Ali casting call
ESPN boxing coverage
|
|
|
Muhammad Ali regains the world title by defeating George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire.