Muhammad Ali made a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, discussing his recent fight with Ken Norton and the broken jaw he suffered as a result. Ali, known for his charisma and quick wit, entertained the audience with his lighthearted banter and reflections on his injury.
Despite his broken jaw, Ali remained positive and expressed gratitude that the injury wasn’t more severe. He joked about his wired jaw and the challenges it posed, including the inability to talk or eat solid food. Ali revealed that he had to consume all his meals in liquid form, blending cabbage and other vegetables into shakes. He also mentioned that he had become a vegetarian, excluding meat from his diet.
Although he hadn’t been training during his recovery, Ali shared that he planned to start preparing for his upcoming fight with Norton soon. He confidently predicted that the second encounter would be different, vowing to come out victorious. Ali’s trademark humor shone through as he quipped that Norton would need to be in sharp form, as Ali was musically speaking, or risk being flat.
Throughout the interview, Carson asked about the risks of boxing and the potential for serious injuries. Ali acknowledged that boxing carried inherent dangers but emphasized that his goal was always to win, not to permanently harm his opponents. He mentioned instances where he had chosen not to knock out his opponents, demonstrating his compassion and concern for their well-being.
Carson also probed into Ali’s personal life, asking about the impact of relationships on his boxing career. Ali mentioned his wife, who didn’t particularly enjoy sports but supported him throughout his fights and recoveries. The conversation briefly touched on the subject of boxers and their relationships before transitioning to lighter topics.
In typical fashion, Ali ended the segment with humor, joking about his popularity and the attention he received from women. He quipped that his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, was built partially to get away from his wife.
As the interview concluded, Ali expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to appear on the show and bid farewell to Carson and the audience. Despite his impending training obligations, he appreciated the chance to entertain and engage with the viewers.
Ali’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson offered a glimpse into the charismatic and resilient personality that made him a beloved figure both inside and outside the boxing ring. The interview showcased his ability to inject humor into even the most challenging situations, leaving the audience entertained and eager to see him back in the ring.
Originally aired on May 17, 1973
