“I said I was the greatest, not the smartest.” Thus said Muhammad Ali (aka Cassius Clay) after failing the US Army’s intelligence test. Yet Ali’s ringcraft was often matched by his rhyme-craft; here is a selection of his odes:
This is the legend of Cassius Clay
The most beautiful fighter in the world today.
He talks a great deal and he brags indeed
Of a muscular punch that’s incredible in speed.
This brash young boxer is something to see
And the heavyweight championship is his destiny
He is the greatest!
before fighting Sonny Liston, February 1964
From all over the world they send their best
To battle Ali for the ultimate Test.
Now merry olde England is sending her hero
Big Joe Bugner, whose chances are zero.
Now Big Joe, he can swing, he can roll
But with Muhammad Ali in there, the ring is too small.
Since when could a bug handle a bee
A bee that’s pretty and quick as me.
Bugs fly through the air with the greatest of ease
But this is one bug who will be on his knees …
February 1973
This might shock and amaze ya
But I’m going to re-tire Joe Frazier
January 1974
I like your show and I like your style
But your pay’s so bad I won’t be back for a while
to Michael Parkinson, March 1971