The Latest from The Greatest

Story By Scott Gummer   
Photography By Howard L. Bingham

Ali fought seven times in Las Vegas between 1961 and 1980. Prompted with the date and the opponent, he shared what he remembers most about some of his most memorable bouts.

1961 vs. Duke Sabedong
Big guy. He was strong, but I was faster.

1965 vs. Floyd Patterson
He was a great champion. He was my idol. But he wouldn’t call me Muhammad Ali. (Ali sits up and smacks his palm with his fist.) I said, “What’s my name?” (Smack.) “What’s my name?” (Smack.)

1972 vs. Jerry Quarry
The Great White Hope.

1973 vs. Joe Bugner
I beat him.

1975 vs. Ron Lyle
Don’t remember much.

1978 vs. Leon Spinks
Didn’t take him too seriously. The second fight I got in shape. Gave him a boxing lesson. Regained the Heavyweight Championship of the World for the third time.

1980 vs. Larry Holmes
TKO. Referee stopped it.

Of all your bouts, which was the most difficult?
Ken Norton. An awkward southpaw. Couldn’t get to him. Styles make fights.

Do you still follow the fight game?
Sometimes I watch heavyweight fights.

Ali’s last fight was a 10-round loss to Trevor Berbick in Nassau, Bahamas in 1981. Ali was 39 years old.

Do you think you got out at the right time? Do you wish you’d gotten out sooner? Or do you feel like you had a little left in you?
I thought I had a little left. I never wished I’d have stopped a little sooner.

Do you have any regrets?
I ask you the question. There’s a thousand things we should have done differently if we had the chance.

There are so many memorable images of you, and not only from your boxing career. Is there one picture, one image, that is your favorite?
Me in Harlem walking the streets with Malcolm X. He was so controversial. So bold. So courageous. To be seen walking with him, that’s the best picture.

You live with your wife Lonnie on a farm in rural Michigan. What drew you there?
It’s surrounded by the river. Nobody could get to me. I’m still there, and I have been there longer than anywhere I have ever lived before.

How do you spend your days when you are at home?
Read books. I have written 300 lectures. For example, the purpose of life, the real cause of man’s distress and attitudes.

Can you share, from that lecture, the purpose of life? What is the conclusion?
Everybody born has a purpose. Knowingly or unknowingly, they have a purpose. The wise man, he knows that purpose. One man who knows the purpose is more powerful than 10 people without the purpose.

Do you know what your purpose is?
To become the Heavyweight Champion of the World and be famous and use that fame for peace and to spread the truth and peace of Islam.

How are you feeling?
I feel good. I’m a little shaky. I have Parkinson’s. But I feel good.

What is still on your to do list? What do you hope to accomplish in the days and years ahead?
I would like to travel to different countries around the world working for the cause of spreading peace and truth for Islam.When you wake up each morning, for what are you most thankful?I’m thankful that I’m healthy, and that I have a good mind. I pray five times a day, every day.

In the religion of sport, The Greatest is, and ever shall be, Ali.