“Bad Guy” Clay “All A Stunt”

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30975, 3 February 1966, Page 17

“Bad Guy” Clay “All A Stunt”

. (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) i PHILADELPHIA. ’ The world heavy- I i weight boxing cham- , pion, Cassius Clay has t admitted that his tan--1 trums and loud mouth are just an act Associated Press reported. In an interview on Philadelphia’ television, Clay also said that he does not have or need a killer instinct. Clay said his pronouncements of invincibility, his I poetry, and other unusual ■ actions were ■ all part of a : carefully planned programme •to lead him to the heavyweight title. He claimed it all started while watching a wrestling match on television. “There was this wrestler, I think his name was Gorous Georgev" Clay said.

I “He was shouting, ‘l’m going to annihilate the bum, kill him, pull his hair, he better not show up.’ ”

Clay said he decided then to become the “bad guy” as a stunt to help make himself a draw card.

This started him making poetic predictions on the outcome of his invincibility. “I talk too much because it makes people come and see me, hoping I’ll get beat,” he said. “I tricked them in.

“Of course, I had to back up what I said. I did, and after the fight I ran to the bank.”

Clay said his biggest act was the scene at the weighin before the first title fight with Sonny Liston. He apparently went berserk, wanted to fight Liston on the spot and screamed and carried on. Doctors said he was not fit to fight, that he was scared tn death. “I had the whole world press there and took advantage of this great publicity,” Clay said.

“There was Liston full of confidence.

“I told my handlers I was going to jump him, but to grab me and hold me, to be sure and not let me go. “This was my biggest day in boxing as far as promoting a fight. “I was nervous, but did not believe I would lose.” Clay said he was nervous before a fight but not from fear of an opponent.

“I’m nervous that some little accident like twisting an ankle, getting a thumb in the eye that blinds you. “Then you get has and you’re out. You’ve thrown Millions down the drain.

“I think you have 45 minutes to live like a king, to stay the heavy-weight champion.

“I’m touchy of everything around because there is so much at stake.

“Being, heavy-weight champion, every day is a good day.”