Ali Scoffs at Death Threats

May 21, 1965 - In Chicopee, Mass., police surrounded heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali today after receiving word that he would be assassinated to avenge the Feb. 21 murder of Malcolm X.

Twelve uniformed police and plainclothes detectives were sprinkled throughout the audience at his training headquarters as Ali went through a brisk workout.

Ali scoffed at the reports, saying: “There’s nothing to it at all. The only thing something like this does is stir up other nuts.”

Massachusetts State Police were notified by New York detectives that followers of Malcolm X were missing from their usual haunts. All have police records.

The report was passed to Chicopee Police Chief Henry Kulig, who dispatched his special detail to Ali’s headquarters at the Schine Inn.

Rumors have persisted that followers of Malcolm X might try to harm or kill Ali, a member of the Black Muslims.

Ali was introduced to the Muslims by Malcolm X, who later left the organization. His followers blame Muslims for his murder, and three Muslims have been arrested and charged with the crime.

When Liston, at his training camp in Poland Spring, Maine, was asked about the rumors, he said: “They’re after Clay, aren’t they? Not me. I don’t know anything about it.”

“He’s so ready now he could tear that Clay into little pieces,” said ranking sparring partner Amos Lincoln. “He’s mean, and he’s terrible, and he could go 100 rounds if he had to.”

“There will be absolutely no excuses in this fight,” said Liston. “My shoulder has healed. I won’t say what round I’ll knock him out, but I’ll get him sometime.”

The challenger was in rare high spirits and kept amusing himself with jokes today. He said he liked it at his mountain resort because the people were treating him “like home.”

Then he changed his mind, laughing. “Better than home. Police here walk beside me instead of behind me.”

Two county officers flanked Liston at all times, part of a general build-up of police forces in the area.

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