Mohamed Ali, considered by many as the greatest boxer in history, passed away last Friday after suffering from a severe respiratory infection. The Kentucky native had a large following of fans around the world and especially in Peru.
The reception. On September 18, 1971, Ali arrived at Jorge Chavez International Airport. He was wearing a smoke-colored guayabera, blue pants, and black shoes. He signed autographs for hundreds of fans and was always very smiling.
Fernando Duarte, president of the Peruvian Boxing Federation, personally welcomed the boxer, who arrived in Peru with his trainer Angelo Dundee, his sparring partner Al Johnson, and Peruvian manager Álex Valdez.
Cassius Clay, Ali's real name, stayed at the Crillón Hotel and before his highly anticipated fight, he had time to enjoy a delicious chicken dish and attend a cockfight in Mamacona.
During a press conference, he made the audience laugh by comparing his country to the punch of one of his greatest rivals: "I fear the taxes of my country's government more than Joe Frazier's left hand."
The long-awaited day. Three days after his arrival in Peru, Mohamed Ali appeared in a ring set up at the Estadio Nacional to fight for 10 rounds against Al Johnson and the Peruvian Guillermo 'Willy' De la Cruz (5 rounds with each).
As it was an exhibition match, there were no major incidents to report. Ali and the Peruvian De la Cruz exchanged some good punches, but in the end, they ended up embracing each other emotionally.
The officers of the Peruvian National Police had to double their efforts to prevent the public from entering the ring. That night, Ali said goodbye to Peru and 3 years later he would defeat Joe Frazier.
