- Title: CUBA: BOXING - Cuban boxer Teofilo Stevenson pays tribiute to Muhammad Ali
- Date: 17th January 2007
- Summary: SOUNDBITE (Spanish) TEOFILO STEVENSON SAYING: "Ali was an idol not only for me but for the whole world. He was an inspiration to many sportsmen in the world because of what he achieved, not only for amateurs but for professionals as well. I will tell you something, Ali, is a much greater person than a boxer."
- Embargoed: 1st February 2007 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Cuba
- Country: Cuba
- Topics: People,Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA7977FMVI4JM1AV0YRIGXCG2U6
- Story Text: As boxing legend Muhammad Ali prepares to celebrate his 65th birthday on Wednesday (January 17), the boxer who could have been his most formidable opponent ever has paid tribute to Ali - but expressed no regrets that the two never met in the ring.
For more than a quarter of a century one question has been put repeatedly to Cuban heavyweight boxer Teofilo Stevenson - why did he consistently refuse to become a professional boxer which would have opened the door to a bout with Ali? The decision cost Stevenson millions in dollars in potentially lucrative deals and a page in the history books as an opponent, and some say possibly even a winner, against boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
But Stevenson refused to turn professional, saying the Cuban people were more important than money. Many considered him the Ali of the amateur boxing scene.
Stevenson now lives quietly in Havana, working as Vice-President of the Cuban Boxing Association, his home decked out with memories of his boxing glory days.
Looking back on the past, Stevenson only has good things to say about Ali.
"Ali was an idol not only for me but for the whole world. He was an inspiration to many sportsmen in the world because of what he achieved, not only for amateurs but for professionals as well. I will tell you something, Ali, is a much greater person than a boxer," said Stevenson in an interview in his home in Havana.
Stevenson, born in 1952, began training as a boxer at the age of 13. Coached by Soviet experts, Stevenson quickly garnered attention in the heavyweight class and in 1972 at the Munich Games, Stevenson hammered American Duane Bobick and then disposed of West German Peter Hussing to reach the final. He won the gold medal by default when Ion Alexe of Romania turned up with a broken thumb.
By the time of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Stevenson was at the peak of his powers, a classic combination fighter using his height and reach to full advantage and alternating a jarring left with thunderous rights. He repeated his gold medal success at the Moscow Games in 1980.
For years, American promoters tried to woo Stevenson to turn profession. But Stevenson refused.
Stevenson, a firm supporter of Cuba's socialist policies and leader Fidel Castro, said Ali would be remembered not just for his boxing prowess.
"He has a big heart, he has great feelings for others, he thinks a lot of others. And, what is important, are his humanitarian and pacifist ideas," he said.
Don King and Bob Arum were among the promoters who thought the tall, powerful and handsome Stevenson could add lustre to their ranks. Stevenson remained unwavering, prompting the headline in a 1974 edition of "Sports Illustrated": "HE'D RATHER BE RED THAN DEAD." "Given two, maybe three more years, he probably would become the heavyweight champion of the world," the article said. "But he most assuredly will not."
Stevenson's refusal to defect in search of capitalist gold brought him socialist rewards. But Stevenson says he would have been ready to face Ali - if the circumstances had been right.
"I always like to confront the best, and for me, fighting Ali would have been the thing to do because he was a great boxer," said Stevenson.
He was a hero to the Cuban people, including President Fidel Castro, and consistently praised the benefits of the revolution for the ordinary person.
Over the years, the two legends have met on several occasions, and with Ali's 65th birthday Stevenson had a very special message for Ali, one that is never heard in the boxing ring.
"My English is no good, all I can say is peace and love, Muhammad," said Stevenson. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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