Maran Perianen1975 became a memorable year for Malaysian sports fans when Muhammad Ali came to Malaysia to defend his world heavyweight title against a British fighter, Joe Bugner.
When Ali arrived at Subang International Airport on June 11, 25,000 fans were waiting for him with placards to greet him.
Former KL police chief, Datuk Dell Akhbar Khan, was tasked to bring Ali to Hilton Hotel.
“I was a bit surprised when I was appointed as his security detail, but I was delighted and happy,” said Datuk Dell.
“People adore him, looked up to him as an icon because he fights like no other fighters,” he added.
Muhammad Ali and Malaysian fans
Muhammad Ali and his entourage occupied 72 rooms on three floors at the KL Hilton. Ali himself stayed at the Presidential Suite.
During his month-long stay, Ali never alienated himself from the hotel staff or the fans. He charmed everyone, including our former Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak.
Krishnan Appu, who was then working as a waiter at a cafe in Merlin Hotel, said he was charmed by Ali’s demeanour.
“He looked like a movie star, but never once did he push away the fans. He was humble and always welcoming them,” said Krishnan.
Muhammad Ali’s preparation for the bout
The preparation for the fight became a spectacle. Hundreds of fans attended the sessions at Stadium Negara.
Sometimes fans will be waiting for Joe Bugner during his runs at the Lake Gardens to get his autograph. Meanwhile, Ali runs at the Selangor Turf Club at Jalan Lumba Kuda, where the world’s tallest twin tower stands now.
Former sports journalist George Das witnessed Ali’s training up close. Das’ persistence in getting the most insightful story led Ali’s manager Angelo Dundee to set up the meeting.
“I bunked in Angelo Dundee’s room, and at around two in the morning, we got a call saying that Ali is ready to go for his run,” said Das.
After the run, Das wanted to hitch a ride back with Ali to the hotel but was stopped by the security personnel.
“Ali stepped in and told the security personnel that I was his brother and I was riding with him,” said Das.
Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner heavyweight bout
On July 1, 1975, Malaysian fans from all over the country converged on Kuala Lumpur.
Muhammad Ali took on Joe Bugner for a 2.5 million dollar prize money put up by Malaysian boxing promoter Tinju Dunia.
“Many of us did not go to school and took leave from work just to watch the fight. We were all glued to the TV,” said former sports journalist, A Subramaniam, who was still a student back then.
More than 20,000 spectators cheered Muhammad Ali when the starting bell rang inside Stadium Merdeka.
“It felt as though Kuala Lumpur was deserted. Nobody was out there during the fight,” added Subramaniam.
Malaysians were proud to have watched a boxing legend of Ali’s status retaining his title in Kuala Lumpur.
After the fight, Ali flew to Sabah and stayed for a few days while preparing to fight dubbed “Thrilla in Manila” with Joe Frazier.
Muhammad Ali retired in 1981. Forty-one years after defending his title in Kuala Lumpur, Ali died from respiratory issues and a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“There has never been another boxer who comes close to Ali’s place in boxing history as one of the greatest fighters ever,” said Das, when ending his interview during the filming of ‘Antha Naal‘ historical documentary series.
Watch the Muhammad Ali episode on ‘Antha Naal’ Documentary Series on Astro on Demand.
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CJMY
