I still remember how lucky he was to survive against Henry Cooper. Henry was one of the few who was able to hit him real hard. Unfortunately his skin wasn't strong enough to withstand Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.

I happen to feel that Henry Cooper was a smashing bloke and in my mind is and still is a nicer person than Cassius.

Having said all of that, Cassius was the greatest boxer ever, but a big mouth who used to irrtitate me immensely. As a person I never liked him. As a boxer, sheer class and a wonder to behold.

It is very sad to see him as a shadow of his former self. Wouldn't wish that upon anybody.