FIGHT WOULD HAVE ECLIPSED ALL TV RECORDS
Ali-Chamberlain
San Francisco, CA– This photograph was part of the build up of the 1971 fight between then ex-champion Muhammad Ali and Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain. The event would be held in July 1971 at the Houston Astrodome and according to those involved, it was a “done” deal.
CHAMBERLAIN A 7′ FOOT “SEXUAL MONSTER”
The NBA legend wrote a book a claim to have bedded 10,000 women. And while some scoffed at those numbers, myself included, until I met Mark in 1992, who unlike Chamberlain who traveled from city to city for decades, had over 5,000 sexual encounters living in one place.
SEVEN FOOT BLACK MAN RARE SEXUAL COMMODITY
Knowing many musicians and athletes, guys that live on the road, some had a girlfriend or two, or three, in each city. That being said, I’ve recalculated my opinion on Wilt’s numbers and tend to think they were at least close to legit. I’ve also found out that his NBA nickname, “Wilt The Stilt” wasn’t necessarily about height.
ALI HAD THOUSANDS OF “LADY FRIENDS” AS WELL
This fight would match “Wilt The Stilt” against Muhammad Ali, “The Pelvic Missionary,” a nickname affixed to Ali because he got his oil changed more often than Penzoil recommended, thus these were two men who were absolute stars between the sheets in addition to being at the top of their games.
NBA STAR AND ALI #1 IN THEIR ATHLETIC WORLDS
With both men being near the pinnacles of their careers, Muhammad Ali and Wilt Chamberlain was a fight that had people talking. Especially as it continued to evolve, from a rumor in the paper, top Ali and Chamberlain appearing on TV separately and together. I did “cringe” though when Wilt got into things.
ALI SHOULD HAVE BEEN SCARED, I CERTAINLY WAS
He was 7’1, no fat and Wilt was no lummox, like Nicolay Valuev, Chamberlain was a beast and I remember fretting, fearing for Ali’s safety (life) as local writers Jack Fiske and Eddie Muller both wrote about it in the SF Chronicle and the Examiner columns.
SOME SAY CONTRACTS WERE SIGNED….I WAS TOLD NO!
Angelo Dundee. Ali’s late trainer told me that the money had been agreed to, the amount of rounds, the money was said to already be in an account ready to be tapped. Dundee says to me, I told Muhammad, I said, don’t spook this guy. They have agreed and will sign the contract soon. So, don’t jack him (Wilt) up.”
ALI NOT THE BEST LISTENER
With a press conference set for the Astrodome, everybody, the parties involved and an orgy of international press were all in attendance. Ali couldn’t shut up. Chamberlain who at 7’1, was always used to getting the last word in, had the tables turned on him and it bothered him to the point that he was still going to take the fight until Angelo said, “Muhammad jumped up and said, ‘When I fight Wilt Chamberlain, do you know what you will hear on your radios, TIMBER.”
DUNDEE SAID FIGHT WAS SOON OFF FOR GOOD
“I think that was the final straw. Wilt Chamberlain, this monster of a man had never been talked to like that before, put down in public like that in his life. I think he went back to the hotel and said the hell with it,” so said the great Angelo Dundee as to why the Ali-Chamberlain fight did not occur.
Pedro Fernandez
Note: Mr. Fernandez is an award-winning writer, TV commentator, radio talk show host, former San Francisco Policeman and four-time Golden Gloves champion. Comments regarding this submission can be left below under the advertising.
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MUHAMMAD ALI-WILT CHAMBERLAIN FIGHT