Thread: Nikos: My Encounter with Ali

My story is not very exciting compared to others, but anyway it was exciting to me. The year was about 1990 and my wife and I lived in Baton Rouge, LA. I was teaching there in a Bible College. It was Saturday and I picked up the Morning paper and saw where Muhammad Ali was coming to town in order to promote his new Cologne. He was to be at the big Godchauz Dept store at a certain time and I told my wife I would sure like to see him in person.

So we arrived at the store but had no idea which door he would come in at, it was a big store with several entrances, so we guessed and went to an entrance only to see that no one was at that door. I was somewhat disappointed knowing we must be at the wrong door. Anyway we were standing outside the door of the store and about to leave when I looked up and two fancy cars roll up to the door.

Out of the white limo Ali and his wife and some others from the other car got out. I then realized that the greeting committee from the store and city had gone to the wrong door. There was no one there to greet him. This was my chance to meet the Greatest Boxer of all time. I simply walked up to Ali and He put his huge hand out and shook my hand and I said, "Welcome to Baton Rouge and Godchaux's Muhammad". I tried to sound official.

Now by this time a few people were gathering around and suddenly out of the door came the greeting committee and I was immediately pushed back by the Police. He must have thought that I was there to welcome him and show him where to go for the promotion. Anyway I got to shake his hand and he was really nice to me and he looked over and smiled as he realized what I had done and the Welcome Committee ushered him into the store.

Unfortunately I did not have a camera at the time. I had left it in the car. I ran to the car and got it and took some pics of him from a distance. He was at a desk where a long line of people who were buying his Cologne got an autograph and and could briefly talk to him. I took a few pics from a distance but the Police would not let me get close unless I was going to buy the Cologne. It was too expensive for me. Anyway I got to meet him.

That's my encounter with Ali. My story is not exciting to most people yet to me it was and I will always remember that I got to shake hands with the Greatest of all times.

Cool story Nikos. But maybe you should've bought some of the cologne, check out the prices for the autographed ones:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...igned&_sacat=0

I love your story Nikos

I WAS THE ONE WHO TALKED MR. CLAY INTO BECOMING A BRUTHA.

Oops, wrong forum. Never mind.

Good story; thanks for sharing.

Nikos
What bible college were you teaching at and the subjects you taught

Originally Posted by Nikos

World Evangelism Bible College.

I taught Western Civ and American History and Church History. I also taught Old Testament and some other courses wherever I was needed. I was the Chairman of the Dept of Education. The College had between 5-6oo students at the time I was there.

Is that Jimmy Swaggarts College?


Did you get to know him?

I did not have a close personal acquaintance with Jimmy. I did shake his hand at church. Jimmy was very nice to talk to and always knew me and called me by name.