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Muhammad Ali
From early 1973 through the summer of 1974, Victor Bockris visited Muhammad Ali in his private training camp, Fighter's Heaven, when he was preparing for the "Rumble in the Jungle." Bockris was able to get an unprecedented view of Ali's persona outside the boxing ring. Presented here are generous helpings of Ali's unique poetry, and insightful glimpses into his feelings on race relations, Muslim principles, and family values. Ali said himself of this book, "These are some of the things I don't reveal to the public too much."
- GenresBiography
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 12, 2015
Fighter's Heaven could easily stand as a metaphor - for Muhammad Ali resides in the pantheon of boxers; but in a more literal, prosaic sense it is the name of his secluded training camp in the country, a purpose built hideaway of log cabins and huge boulders decorated with the names of other famous heavyweights.
In 1973, Victor Bockriss got to spend some time there with the Greatest. Bockriss is more commonly associated with writing about rock music. I have previously read his biographies on Lou Reed and his band The Velvet Underground.
I don't know how he got this gig, but on this showing he didn't really make much out of it. It's always good to get a glimpse of Ali, but even the meeting with Andy Warhol which ends this book proves to be something of a dud.
Ali reels off a few of his well-heeled rants, entertains a few tourists and raps out some of his poetry while Bockriss simply fails to engage him. The many photos are probably the best part, even if some of them are blurry and unprofessional.
Other than that, Ali's poetry is pretty good. Though rudimentary in the extreme, it is also full of truth and power, especially if you imagine it intoned in the fighter's own forceful, rhythmic voice. This is my favourite sample:
'Life is a fair trade where all adjusts itself in time.
For all that you take from it, you must pay the price sooner or later.
For some things, you must pay in advance.
For some things, you must pay on delivery.
And for others, later on, when the bill is presented.'
Amen. Allah and Ali be praised.
In 1973, Victor Bockriss got to spend some time there with the Greatest. Bockriss is more commonly associated with writing about rock music. I have previously read his biographies on Lou Reed and his band The Velvet Underground.
I don't know how he got this gig, but on this showing he didn't really make much out of it. It's always good to get a glimpse of Ali, but even the meeting with Andy Warhol which ends this book proves to be something of a dud.
Ali reels off a few of his well-heeled rants, entertains a few tourists and raps out some of his poetry while Bockriss simply fails to engage him. The many photos are probably the best part, even if some of them are blurry and unprofessional.
Other than that, Ali's poetry is pretty good. Though rudimentary in the extreme, it is also full of truth and power, especially if you imagine it intoned in the fighter's own forceful, rhythmic voice. This is my favourite sample:
'Life is a fair trade where all adjusts itself in time.
For all that you take from it, you must pay the price sooner or later.
For some things, you must pay in advance.
For some things, you must pay on delivery.
And for others, later on, when the bill is presented.'
Amen. Allah and Ali be praised.
January 20, 2025
Such a fun read. Really excited to talk to Mr. Bockris tomorrow.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews