Nov. 9, 1964 - The principals in the heavyweight championship fight scheduled for Boston Garden next Monday night are in good shape and excellent health.
This morning outside the State Boxing Commission office at Commonwealth Avenue, Muhammad Ali flirted with amputation as he lugged a bear trap around and barely missed being run over as he tied up traffic completely.
This was all part of his flamboyant vaudeville act, and his timing was perfect.
This was the day the commission set aside for physical exams. To avoid anything like Ali’s act, the commission had Sonny Liston, the ex-champ who is challenging for the crown, come in early with Ali scheduled to make an appearance two hours later.
But Ali missing an opportunity like this? He’d rather miss meals. And the champ was on hand 30 minutes before Liston showed up, wowing the rapidly growing crowd and giving promoter Bob Nilon heart palpitations.
“Five million dollars all tied up and he’s running between trolley cars!” Nilon screamed. “Get him the hell off that street!”
Fat chance. Ali, with the huge bear trap in his massive paws, was stopping automobiles on the Commonwealth and asking drivers, “Have you seen that Bear? There’s a Bear loose, and I gotta catch him.”
No one had to be told who this character is. He was recognized instantly, both by his voice and his features.
Then, when the MTA cars stopped, the motormen and passengers got the full treatment.
“Here’s how you catch that Bear,” he went on. “You spread honey, and Bundini got it right there [Bundini Brown, trainer, had a three-pint jar of honey, and he spread small puddles of it on Babcock Street.] I got the trap, a real trap, and he puts his foot in it, and he’s mine, all mine. I’ll get him this time, get him for good.”
Finally, Liston’s car, a big white Caddy, tried to turn into Babcock St., and a broken-down Stanley Steamer could have made better time. Ali and his gang surrounded the car, each shouting for Sonny to come out and be caught.
For five minutes, Liston sat there, a frown creasing his face. Finally, even he had to smile. The challenger recognizes the value of publicity.
Later, while Ali was studied and probed by Dr. Nathan Shapiro, the chatter never stopped. While the champ was being pronounced fit, found out the building also housed the state police.
“A police station is a great place for Liston!” he shouted in glee. Then he was told that, at times, mental patients who talk a lot also are looked over in the office.
“Let’s go!” he said. “No place for me. We gotta go and catch the Bear.” The exit wasn’t as spectacular as his arrival. The crowd had thinned out. However, Muhammad was happy. He had caused a commotion.
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