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The Boy Who 'Knocked Out' Ali. This is a story being unfolded hereunder supported by some related pictures that I always wanted to share with my friends and sport lovers! The story is about the boxing match that took place 37 years ago between Muhammad Ali and a young boy, aged 12 years, at the Dhaka stadium Perhaps, it was the most unforgettable as well as the most exciting part of Ali’s sojourn in Bangladesh. It is believed that Muhammad Ali surely had taken the fight to entertain the crowd and those who were watching TV, but it meant a whole lot to the boy! I still feel lucky that I could watch the event live with many thousands like me at the stadium ! Muhammad Ali, the “greatest heavyweight boxer ever,” came to Bangladesh along with his wife 37 years before on February 18, for a five day visit. Ali, his wife Veronica and his entire entourage were state guests and treated like royalty. He was awarded the citizenship of Bangladesh. The entire touring party got the opportunity of visiting all the important touring spots of Bangladesh including the tea gardens of Sylhet, the tiger-infested Sundarbans, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the fabulous sun-soaked beaches of Cox's Bazar. Ali visited Bangladesh after Leon Spinks beaten him on points. A devastated Ali thought that he could not face his fans in this country. However, history tells us otherwise now. He went back home very happy and rejuvenated! Now back to the story! Mohammad Giasuddin was only twelve years old and was also the junior boxing champion at that time. After being selected to fight the “greatest ever boxer” , the skinny and fleet-footed boy was bubbling with enthusiasm as Ali arrived at the ringside, wearing a red gown and eyes hidden under dark glasses. “Fighting against Muhammad Ali was the greatest achievement for me because such an incident doesn't happen in everyone's life. Whenever I remember that day, I feel a different type of pleasure,” recalled Giasuddin . now a bulky and bearded businessman approaching 50,to a local newspaper interviewer. The event, though, was nothing but a mock fight arranged to entertain the people but for Giasuddin, it was completely a different thing! It was a matter of rubbing shoulders with the world’s greatest ever heavyweight boxing champion!! In a recent interview with a local English language newspaper, Giasuddin recalled the great event, “in the first bout, Ali tried to scare me but I didn't pay attention. I rather went forward like a boxer. At one point, Ali started to scream to frighten me. However, I kept my nerve and tried to hit him on his face. But to be honest, I could not reach his face as he was too tall; so I kept punching on his belly.” There was a lot of drama in the third and last bout as Ali pretended he was dizzy from the hits and fell on the floor as the referee counted from one to three. Ali was declared to have been knocked out by young Giasuddin, much to the cheer and laughter of the spectators. The young boy’s boxing career was unfortunately cut short by a motorbike accident. However, he could still remember that after that match many people came to see him. Giasuddin still evokes people’s respect when they find out that he was the boy who had knocked out the greatest ever heavyweight boxer of the world! Happy Reading: Picture details: 1.Little Giasuddin shaping up to pack a punch on Muhammad Ali. 2. The centerfold of an old magazine captures Muhammad Alis arrival and the massive reception in Dhaka. 3. Ali threatens chief cameraman Rory MacLeod. On the right is Reginald Massey, and in front is chief sound recordist Eric Chohan. 4. Surrounded by his , Mohammad Giasuddin turns over pages of the magazine to recall his fight with Ali. 5. Muhammad Ali , the greatest heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Source: Old Bengali Magazines and the Daily Star.. Photo Credits Star, Reginald Massey and collected.     |
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Great pictures and story thanks for sharing. I was a big Ali fan 
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That was a very interesting post, Looklook. Thanks for sharing it. I was never into boxing, but of course, everyone knows Muhammad Ali. I could imagine the thrill for the young boy. I enjoyed reading about what happened.Elaine Shuel
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Hello Roxy, Thanks for your informative and meaningful comments on my blog. I am really delighted to read the text of your well written post left here on the page and can tell you that I also like Ali as you do. . He is not only a great Boxer but also a talented Personality . Yes, you are absolutely correct. Ali is a poetry in motion! Once again, I may tell you that I consider myself lucky to watch Ali fight this young boy live at the stadium. Sure Roxy, Ali has made you all proud! Have a nice weekend. Take care .
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Each of us are are entitled to our own opinion. However, I consider Ali a human being, having all human qualities imbedded in him---Good and bad that are equally applicable to us all!
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Great pictures and story thanks for sharing. I was a big Ali fan
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I am really happy to see you passing by my blog and also for leaving comments there on for us to read. I always admire him for his great qualities. Thanks again,mrs.joe. Have a nice week.
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That was a very interesting post, Looklook. Thanks for sharing it. I was never into boxing, but of course, everyone knows Muhammad Ali. I could imagine the thrill for the young boy. I enjoyed reading about what happened.everyone who loves sporting events. The entire world should feel proud for the achievements of this man. Have a wonderful week.
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Hi Looklook , This is a very interesting blog. Thanks for sharing it. I've read much about M. Ali, the great boxer. Thanks also for the pics which are so rare too. They are memorable eventually. Have a wonderful week. My best wishes to you, mbn. Lisa.
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Hello Lisa. Thanks for being here on my blog page again. The pictures are old, and rare too. They brought back many memories of those days when I was 38 years old. Those were the days when I toured many important European cities, met many friends and learned many new things that proved useful later on in my life. May be during those period, you were also living abroad---- Perhaps in Washington D C. I believe that you know much about Muhammad Ali, the greatest ever heavyweight boxer of the world. Wish you could write at least two paragraphs about this great soul if you feel like as you know about him much more than me. Regards and best wishes, Stay well,mlld. look
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