Muhammad Ali Visits Industrial School for Disabled Children

Oct. 30, 1964 - Muhammad Ali stepped out of the gym today and into the affections of some 140 youngsters at the Industrial School for Crippled Children in Boston.

The heavyweight champion, joined by one-time comedian Stepin Fetchit, dropped in on the school — located near his training headquarters — to join the kids in their annual Halloween party.

School Superintendent William Carmichael invited Muhammad to join the kids. He did. In fact, he delayed his sparring session almost an hour while he joked with the youngsters, signed autographs, and posed for pictures.

Ali went to work after the party, sparring three rounds each with brother Rudolph, Dave Bailey, and Cody Jones.

Liston, meanwhile, claimed at Plymouth he is in the best shape he’s ever been in.

“Had I been in this shape for the first fight, I wouldn’t be here now training. I’d have knocked out Clay,” he said.

Liston’s shoulder, which plagued him in the first fight, is fine, the fighter said. He refers to Ali as “that man with the big mouth.”

Some veterans of the fight gang believe Liston is in condition to take on Ali right now. The fight is scheduled for Boston Garden Nov. 16.

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