Post

Here's a picture of Muhammad Ali and my Dad (far right) circa 1970. I was lucky to have both of them in my life.

Jim Emmerling

@jemmer.bsky.social

23 July 2025

Had Ali been cleared to fight Frazier yet when that pic was taken?

Mark Ricks (he/him)

@markricks.com

I'll ask my Mom and get back to you on this. But I believe so. Before my Dad passed away he said this picture was taken before a charity event.

23/7/25, 4:04 am0 reposts1 like

Thanks. Great pic!

@jemmer.bsky.social Okay so my Mom said this was taken in 1971. Aaaaaaand Ali vs Frazier #1 named "Fight of the Century" was in March of 1971 at MSG. Sooooo you got some good eyes, this was no doubt before the fight. Weeks, days--who knows?

Jim Emmerling

@jemmer.bsky.social

23 July 2025

I was just short of my 16th Bday when they fought. We used to watch boxing on local TV from the Olympic Auditorium in LA, so I was looking forward to this one. I listened to it on the radio live and saw the replay of the fight the following weekend. Incredible!

Mark Ricks (he/him)

@markricks.com

23 July 2025

One of the best things was traveling with my Dad to Ali's training camp in Deer Lake, PA. Ali looked at me and said, "You think you could whoop me?!?!? You ain't no champ, chump!" Laughing the whole time. I almost shit my pants lol

Jim Emmerling

@jemmer.bsky.social

23 July 2025

Wow! Very cool! I loved the Burns bio on him. So revealing of his sense of humor and deep thoughts on humanity.

Mark Ricks (he/him)

@markricks.com

23 July 2025

No one does documentaries like Ken Burns. "Muhammad Ali" was fantastic! If you haven't seen it, check out "When We Were Kings."