“I was cocked and everything,” Former undisputed champion reveals how Muhammad Ali’s hug stopped huge fight

Riddick Bowe recalls an incident with Muhammad Ali which almost led to an altercation but was diffused by Ali's act of kindness.

“I was cocked and everything,” Former undisputed champion reveals how Muhammad Ali’s hug stopped huge fight

Muhammad Ali with Riddick Bowe (credit- X.com)

Muhammad Ali stood as one the greatest and most influential sports figures in history. However, he was very close to getting into a scuffle with the former undisputed heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe. An act of compassion and love by Ali changed the course of that night.

Riddick Bowe was the undisputed heavyweight champion. He is noted for receiving the prestigious New York Golden Gloves Award. He also won the silver medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. However, he is known for beating the boxing legend Evander Holyfield and becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion. Bowe recalls his interaction with the great Muhammad Ali prior to his fight for the golden gloves. This is what he said:

I almost ran into a fight with him. I was fighting for the golden gloves. I was getting ready for the fight, you know how you psych yourself up or whatever. He was behind me, he said come on sucker (2x), and I didn't pick it up like I was supposed to. Get out of my face, I'm getting ready for a fight... 5 minutes later he starts up again and I'm angry. I turn aroun and it was him. Man, I was cocked and everything, then he gave me this hug.
Riddick Bowe via JAXXON Podcast
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Riddick Bowe, like most fighters, had the utmost respect for Ali. His reaction was just impulsive and because he didn’t know it was Ali who was trying to hype him up in his own way. Bowe went on to win the Golden Gloves and prove that he was an up-and-coming prodigy of the sport.

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Muhammad Ali had this effect on fighters. He liked seeing the early stages of the later greats, and he was rarely wrong about his predictions. Ali had a great impact not only on boxing but also on society as a whole. His contribution to black citizen rights in America is unparalleled. He was hated by the press and loved by the public as well as other fighters. Only a legend like Ali had the ability to speak the truth even when it was the hardest to do.

Muhammad Ali held the Guineas World Record for being the most written about person in history

Muhammad Ali was a man of culture, honor, and tradition. He stood up for what he believed and didn’t fear whether his opinions were popular among the public or not. He was the most talked about boxer of his time, but Ali was far greater than just a man in a ring.

The three-time heavyweight champion was known for his strong positions on civil rights and the Vietnam War. Ali’s decision to embrace Islam and his refusal to serve in the military highlighted his commitment to racial and religious equality.

Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali (via: arkansasonline.com)

Ali was previously known as Cassius Clay. His change in name and adoption of Islam proved his stance against black oppression during that period of time. His powerful speeches and resistance to the military draft established him as a symbol of justice and defiance.

Therefore his life was widely documented by the media hence making him the most written about man for 30 years. Many movies, documentaries, books, and countless articles have been made about his life and his achievements. Ali, to this very day, is a name synonymous with greatness and hence he is aptly called “The Greatest!”

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