'Louisville Lip' in London
The most famous of Muhammad's forays to Britain are probably his two Henry Cooper fights in 1963 and 1965. Ironically, he also fought Brian London, in London, in 1966. From fights, social calls, promotional tours, schools visits, lectures, and chat show interviews the Champ had many reasons for visiting the city. Incredibly, he was also involved in the Olympic opening ceremony in 2012. We hope to point you to some of the lesser known gems from Ali's visits to the capital over the years.
Brixton over the years: 1966, 1974 and 1999
Brixton is a historic spot in South London. Famous for its Caribbean community, it is full of culture, music and food. Muhammad Ali had a particular connection with Brixton. From a chance encounter with a journalist leading to a Brixton pub to see the "brothers", a school visit thanks to a plucky campaigner inviting Muhammad on his way back from Zaire after conquering 'Big George' Foreman, and a campaign to end third world debt, have a read about these encounters below.
1966 - Ray Weaver and Ali visit the "brothers" in 1966
1974 - Paul Stephenson, Neil Kinlock and Ali at the Tulse Hill School in 1974
1999