The thrill before the 'Thrilla': My two hours with Ali, 50 years ago

The Philippines marked yesterday, Oct. 1, the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic events in boxing history: the “Thrilla in Manila” heavyweight match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier held on Oct. 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

- By ROMULO B. MACALINTAL

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., has even directed government agencies to support a nationwide celebration from Oct. 26 to 31, highlighting a sporting milestone that put the Philippines on the global stage.

While many can only speak about Ali through historical accounts, mine is based on personal one-on-one encounter with “The Greatest” for two solid hours. This happened on Sept. 22, 1975, just before the legendary fight.

The power of an old scrapbook

In 1975, I was a second-year law student at the University of the East in Manila and working as a Veterans Counselor at the United States Veterans Administration. I didn't know anyone in Ali’s entourage or any of the fight sponsors. Yet, I was armed with a secret weapon: a very old scrapbook.

My collection contained photos and articles about Ali dating back to the 1960s when he was still known as Cassius Clay. I knew that even a brief glimpse of the man who was arguably the most popular and recognizable person in the world at the time would be exhilarating. I was determined to get his autograph.

Around three o’clock in the afternoon on that memorable September day, I went to the Manila Hilton Hotel where Ali was billeted. Security was relaxed enough that a simple request led me to Atty. Albert Grifin, Ali's lawyer. I politely requested a meeting for an autograph. Grifin was apologetic, saying it was Ali's rest day and no one was allowed in his room.

Unyielding in my pursuit of that elusive autograph, I was persistent and asked Grifin to at least just show Ali the scrapbook. My persistence paid off. Grifin agreed and asked me to wait in the waiting area of the Presidential Suite—the “Top of the Hilton” where Ali was staying.