Muhammad Ali: The Greatest Sell Out?
Tuesday April 11, 2006
Muhammad Ali, 64, has sold an 80% stake in his name and likeness for $50 million to CKX Inc. (already the majority owner of the estate of Elvis Presley). Ali and his family will keep the remaining 20% of the business, to be named G.O.A.T. for "Greatest of All Time". CKX says that revenue from marketing Ali has ranged from $4 million to $7 million annually over the past five years. Sounds low for one of the world's most recognized people but the sad reality is that Ali is no longer in any condition to be an active spokesman for a company or product so his marketing opportunities are somewhat limited. Let's hope this is a good deal for Ali and he gets a chance to enjoy the proceeds ... he certainly deserves it.
Comments
Ali the greatest?. I don’t think so. He was called the greatest because of his promotion by Howard “the mouth” Cossel. Observing films of some od his fight show that he consistantly held his oppones around the neck and was hardly if ever penalizewd for that infraction. Alsi he received a few decisions he did not deserve. He was loved by promtors because of the fact that he was able to sell tickets; and I am still convinced that Sonny Liston quit twice because of his gambling and involvement with the mob who finally shut him up with an overdose of drugs.
Parkinsonian Type illnes is nothing more than pugilistic dimentia from all the blows to the head he took from a couple of fighters who did not get the decision.
Whether or not he’s the ‘greatest’ or ‘greatest sell out,’ I recently saw “When We Were Kings” for the first time, and it fabulous as far as sports documentaries go — a great redemption/come-back story. I was too young to know much about the Zaire fight, but man was it an ordeal!
Ali not the greatest? His footwork in the ring, his speed, his punching precision, his stamina…, who else had all that at that time, and which of the present boxers (in heavy div.) have that completeness? That Ali was, also, fun to watch and fun to hear made was something extra. Finally, should not be forgotten that at his fame and position, his “political engagement” and refuse in participating in war. These are what made Ali the greatest of all!
Muhammad Ali IS the Greatest of All Times. I was there when he was boxing, no one else even comes close.
Plus the fact that is a true humanitarian. A wonderful person.
The angels will sing when he comes to home.