If only, if only...
Wilt Chamberlain, never one to underestimate his own abilities at anything, started floating the idea in 1967 that he could whup Ali in the ring. Then he actually started calling him out, and the thing caught momentum in the press, culminating with Cosell having them both on the Wide World of Sports (check that freakshow out below). The initial furor never came to anything, but it all started up again around 1970, and amazingly, the fight was actually made, set for July 26, 1971 at the Astrodome. Wilt pulled out soon after agreeing to the date, saying he wasn't going to make enough money, although of course everyone just thought he was chicken. Click here to read a good East Side Boxing article about the whole mess.
But, so look. What do you say No Masians? Ali vs. Wilt, 1971, Astrodome... what happens? Timber?
7 Comments:
Facts,
Ali - 29
Wilt - 35
-Arthritis would have been a factor.
-It would have been just after the first Ali-Frazier.
-Ali would have been in better shape not from the training but from the not "having to bed at least 4 broads by the time I go to bed every day" regimen that The Stilt had to go through.
I say Ali in the fourth
honestly, i can't imagine anything other than a very early called fightas ali works the body enough for wilt not to have the energy to keep his gloves up.
id be more interested in the underard for a money making train wreck like this.
mantle vs maris?
evil knievel vs liberace?
Actually Madsear, I think the Greatest was matching him chick for chick around that time.
he was quite the promiscuous boy, wasn't he?
Ali would RINSE Chamberlain. The Big Dipper at 7'2 270 just doesn't have a fighters physique. Even though he has height and reach on Ali, I reckon that Ali would just tire Wilt out, work the midsection and warm up his ribs the whole first 2 rounds. After that Wilt would be to tired to guard his grill and Ali would get in one solid shot to his face and lights out.
Early 3rd round KO.
Ali would get dq'd for hitting below the belt. Wilt would never have reached the 20,000 level and i wouldn't have my Lovers shirt.
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