So why was Muhammad Ali so mean to Joe Frazier?

[Thread Stealer]

I always have a hard time believing stuff like that about Ali man.

The sportsman of the century, at one point the most recognizable man on Earth, loved by everybody, and he was an ******* like that? I'm gonna check that book out.

Ali could be a real azzhole too. He was a great athlete and had his positive traits, but he was no saint.

Frazier was far from the only guy he called an "Uncle Tom". Ali even called Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis "Uncle Toms".

[Zizou3]

Smokey Joe wasn't some Saint either - he said and did deplorable things also.

[Barn]

Smokey Joe wasn't some Saint either - he said and did deplorable things also.

He doest get portrayed as one though.

[rsf]

Because deep down he was terrified of Joe Frazier.

yeah i would agree with this

[Vsec]

Smokey Joe wasn't some Saint either - he said and did deplorable things also.

got any examples?

[PEBBLES!]

got any examples?

- Called Ali, "Clay".

- Assaulted the mother of one of his sons.

- Had relationships with racist and wealthy white businessmen from Alabama.

There's also the connection he had with that racist Alabama Sheriff, but I can't seem to remember the Sheriff's name and the article I read it from. Maybe someone who has read it will post here.


Although Ali was pretty much a racist in the late 60's, early 70's and his betrayal of Malcolm X sickens me, the man has done an immense amount of charity work since then and shed the racist beliefs he once had. Much of what he said in the lead up to his fights were for promotion or an attempt to gain a psychological edge over his opponent. I don't think he ever said any of those things with any malicious intent, but rather with a glint in his eye, sort of tongue-in-cheek. That's why I don't hold it against Terrel, Frazier or Patterson for calling him "Clay" because trash-talking has always been a part of boxing.

[bojangles1987]

Because deep down he was terrified of Joe Frazier.

I second this.

[Vsec]

- Called Ali, "Clay".

- Assaulted the mother of one of his sons.

- Had relationships with racist and wealthy white businessmen from Alabama.

There's also the connection he had with that racist Alabama Sheriff, but I can't seem to remember the Sheriff's name and the article I read it from. Maybe someone who has read it will post here.


Although Ali was pretty much a racist in the late 60's, early 70's and his betrayal of Malcolm X sickens me, the man has done an immense amount of charity work since then and shed the racist beliefs he once had. Much of what he said in the lead up to his fights were for promotion or an attempt to gain a psychological edge over his opponent. I don't think he ever said any of those things with any malicious intent, but rather with a glint in his eye, sort of tongue-in-cheek. That's why I don't hold it against Terrel, Frazier or Patterson for calling him "Clay" because trash-talking has always been a part of boxing.

Racist businessmen? Hope we get some links. I agree with the Clay thing, I mean
Ali would start the **** talk and say worse anyway lol

[davidjaan1982]

Joe Frazier was the first boxer Ali encountered who was not intimidated by him. Joe’ confident air shook Ali and dented his confidence. Ali tried to hide his fear of Frazier behind a facade of brutal verbal abuse.

[Boxing56]

It's one of the things that put me of Ali as a person.