"GHOSTS OF MANILA"

Author Mark Kram offers a different and rather interesting perspective on the life and times of Muhammad Ali in this controversial and opinionated book distributed by Harper/Collins.

A must read for any boxing fanatic, Mark Kram goes into great detail in his own interpretation of what the real reasons behind some of the decisions made during the transformation of the former Cassius Clay into the now infamous Muhammad Ali.

Of major interest and concern to author Mark Kram is the humiliation and degradation suffered by "Smokin" Joe Frazier in the pre-fight hype leading to the 1975 heavyweight championship bout billed as the "Thrilla in Manila".

According to Mark Kram, the then 33 year old Muhammad Ali called upon Black Americans to view Joe Frazier as everything they had come to despise in any Black man.

The Ali promotion had Joe Frazier viewed as an "Uncle Tom" who fraternized with white Republicans. Although from the streets of Philadelphia and himself an Olympic champion he was a "house nigger" who all white folk felt knew his place. Muhammad Ali was the square peg in the round hole. He talked and talked and talked. He did not "know his place" and refused to be shut up.

Ali played the "race card" to the hilt by attacking Joe Frazier on every front imaginable. Most of white America wanted him quieted and Joe Frazier was their man.

Joe Farzier was called "ugly" and ridiculed mercilessly by Ali for everything from his speech to his clothing. Frazier appeared to be unconcerned but inside the comments ate him apart. To this day Frazier cannot and will not believe the Ali contention that all was done in the hopes of attracting the largest payday in boxing history for both.

According to Kram, Ali’s conversion to the Muslim faith was nothing other than a PR move by the honorable Elijah Muhammad to gain credibility with Black America. Ali would be used as a puppet much in the same manner as Malcolm X.

Kram contends Ali would have left the Muslim religion were it not for his fear of meeting the same fate as Malcolm X. Ali never felt the same hatred for white America as did the Muslims. But he was trapped and had no way out. This same opinion was shared by none other than legendary boxing champion "Sugar" Ray Robinson.

Mark Kram feels that Black America looks at Muhammad Ali as a hero when there is no reason to suggest him as such. Ali refused induction into the US Army only because ordered to by Elijah Muhammad. Muhammad Ali never had the interest of Black America in his heart, only his own selfish interests were he ever concerned about.

This is where your own memories or those of your father or grandfather will be invaluable. Individual perceptions will be crucial.

Muhammad Ali is an icon in American sports. Muhammad Ali is an icon in Black American history. There has been no other Black American athlete to interrupt his career while in his prime as Ali did for some 3 years to stand up for what he felt was right. The refusal of Ali to enter the US Army based on religious beliefs stands as one of the most controversial decisions of the century.

Ali could have been a puppet for the United States and gone the route of Joe Louis and toured the US Army bases world wide as a "goodwill ambassador" conducting boxing exhibitions. But he felt if he were to be used by anyone it would be for a cause he felt passionate about.

Black American athletes would forever be heard from as Olympic champions John Carlos, Tommie Smith and Lee Evans stood up for what they believed in during the summer games of 1968. Major League Baseball was forever changed as a result of the free agency stance taken by Curt Flood. Professional basketball took on a new look when Spencer Haywood dared to defy the powerful owners of the National Basketball Association.

Jim Brown left the National Football League while at the pinnacle of his career as a record breaking star running back to focus on the plight of inner city Black youth.

All made great sacrifices for what they felt was right. None of these had the impact of what Muhammad Ali accomplished for the one reason Mark Kram fails to recognize.

Muhammad Ali became a larger than life figure recognized around the world because he traveled AROUND THE WORLD. Telling all what the United States of America had previously kept as it’s "dirty little secret".

The Black man in America was respected when fighting for his country whether with a gun or in the ring. He was put out front when running a race, hitting a home run, carrying a football, shooting a basketball, singing or dancing. But after the game was over, the race was finished and the singing and dancing done he was still a "nigger".

Muhammad Ali made the world aware of what the Black Man in America was enduring. He made the plight of other people in America apparent to the world as well. The elderly, the poor and the political prisoners in America were all subjects the world came to see did indeed exist in America. The world was made aware and as a result the United States was forced to "clean up their act" when approaching other countries regarding human injustices.

Muhammad Ali is indeed an American as well as Black American hero. He exposed the United States at a time when no one else dared to say a negative word. He was egotistical and a womanizer. He was brash and arrogant. But never let that detract from his place in American history.

Muhammad Ali was and still is simply "THE GREATEST".

Boy Wonder

04/27/01