When ‘The GreaTesT’ came To our shores
The match, aired live on local TV, brought back wonderful memories and reminded Malaysian boxing fans of an even bigger clash that happened in Kuala Lumpur more than four decades ago. In 1975, Malaysia played host to one of the most closely watched championship clashes between Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner.
I vividly remember tuning in to the radio for the live coverage of Bugner’s arrival at the Subang International Airport. Apart from crowds of fans and curious onlookers, the British fighter was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic kompang ensemble the moment he stepped off the Malaysian Airline System (Malaysia Airlines now) aircraft.
A few days later, the same airport was turned into a sea of people when thousands jostled with each other to catch a glimpse of Ali. The security guards on duty didn’t expect such a huge turn out and were completely caught unprepared.
Overwhelmed, the men in uniform could only watch helplessly when part of the airport fencing was completely flattened by a huge crowd which suddenly surged forward after hearing that Ali was already in the building. The situation was so chaotic that several fans suffered minor injuries and one even reported the mysterious disappearance of his pair of socks despite still having his boots on!
In the days leading up to the big match, local newspapers ran regular commentaries containing interesting anecdotes related to the two boxers. Even coffee shop pundits were caught up in the heat of the moment and started giving their loyal followers ‘expert’ opinions and forecast results.
Our nation was so caught up with the impending fight that it was common to see boys and even grown men pretending to square up with each other and proudly displaying a number of Ali’s famous boxing stances. profits by producing all sorts of merchandise that endorsed the much anticipated battle in the ring. Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner figurines were the clear favourites among boxing fans while others snapped promotional balloons, matchboxes and even chewing gum!
On July 1, 1975 local boxing fans from all over the country converged on Kuala Lumpur. The entire arena was filled with spectators. Deep pocketed fans joined famous celebrities and socialites at the ringside seats which went for RM1,000 each while most ordinary Bookletpromotingthe3rdAsean
Malaysians, BoxingChampionshipin1978. including myself, were contented to watch the match live on television from the comforts of our homes. Everything else ground to a halt the moment the starting bell was struck at the Merdeka Stadium. Outside, Kuala Lumpur behaved as though it was a city under a
At the same time, manufacturers seized the golden opportunity to rake in lucrative Ali landing a left hook on Bugner during their 1975 bout in Kuala Lumpur. Ali mobbed by crowds upon his arrival at Subang International Airport in 1975.