I remember well interviewing Ali along with my colleague Gloria Negri of the Boston Globe at his training camp in Pennsylvania.
As you can see from the photograph (Download BrigInterviewingAli0001), during part of the interview Ali was closing his eyes and pondering the next rhymes to present to us as proof of his creativity as poet.
Whenever he came out with new lines, everyone in his entourage clapped his hand and shouted "yeah, yeah, yeah."
He was very aware whether we wrote down his poetic creation reminding me several times not to miss a word.
Eventually, when he put his hands into a bowl of wax to harden them for his next bout, he was ready to answer our questions.
I have no idea whether he was okay with his aunt inviting us to have lunch with him and some family members. But away from his constant circle of friends, admirers, and hangers-on, he was even more gracious showing us around the training compound and inviting us to witness some sparring sessions not open to public and press.
Memorable interview, indeed.
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