Muhammad Ali versus Hockey Participant Dave Semenko on June 12, 1983 – Video

RCM Historic Boxing: Muhammad Ali versus Hockey Participant Dave Semenko on June 12, 1983

By Robert Brizel, Head Actual Fight Media Boxing Correspondent

 Six thousand followers of each hockey and boxing had been current on June 12, 1983, in Edmonton, Canada, for a weird Ripley’s Consider It or Not model three-round exhibition between Muhammad Ali, age 41 and carrying a tracksuit. And Edmonton Oilers hockey participant Dave Semenko, which resulted in an exhibition draw.

 Ali claimed the exhibition was not for the cash as a result of “You couldn’t afford to pay me” for an exhibition equivalent to this. A seven minutes video of the bout nonetheless exists on some web sources. Ali danced his famed Ali shuffle for many of the bout, and his legs appeared surprisingly good, a lot better than they appeared in his 10-round loss to Trevor Berbick within the Bahamas in January 1982.

 The exhibition was bizarre, it was unusual, and it was what it was within the period earlier than Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Conor McGregor. Ali, to the bitter finish, was a circus showman who got here throughout as one thing between P.T. Barnum and Robert Ripley. Nonetheless, on this event, Ali was mild and mushy spoken with everybody, and it was not till the ultimate minute of the exhibition Ali let free, jabbing away on Semenko and bloodying him. Oilers hockey participant Mark Messier’s uncle Larry Messier promoted the occasion. Ali did receives a commission, and with the Survivor theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ enjoying on the occasion loudspeaker, the 2 combatants did their crossover factor. Ali versus Semenko was bizarre, however boxing is most attention-grabbing when the combatants are a bit off the wall and promote the occasion with wild publicity.

 In all probability Ali versus Semenko, the ultimate bout of Ali’s profession, was his most obscure ring look. It was additionally Ali’s solely professional degree bout to have taken place in Canada. As bizarre as Rocky Balboa versus Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Ali versus Semenko is lengthy forgotten, but it surely stays a protracted lengthy treasure as a part of Ali’s story, his remaining ring look.

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Robert Brizel – Head Boxing Correspondent

Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Actual Fight Media Boxing since 2013. Robert can be a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State area which incorporates NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts unique interviews, offers historic boxing articles and offers editorial ringside protection of main boxing occasions. You possibly can contact or observe Robert on Fb and by electronic mail at [email protected].