Ali vs. Cosell - 1968 Interview

Great footage of Ali, who was one year into his suspension from Boxing, for refusing to enter the Draft.
He became a Hero in the anti-war movement, when he continued to speak out, at college campuses.
And then there's Cosell. Love him or Hate him....the two men had a unique relationship that endured, and was great for the sport. Classic stuff.

[@NadeemHayek]

Those two made the best most entertaining interviews ever on TV.. simple as that

[@howiesworlds]

I believe that Cosell was one of the few people that was willing to be there fo Ali at a time when he needed people. I thank you for allow me to remember this incredible and strong man. Not enough people realized how intelligent Ali is. Peace, howie

[@tamaqueen317]

The greatest bond in boxing history. RIP to these legends :'( They will be missed

[@LuxeXx]

I love these Ali-Cosell interviews. They're so good, and yes, they do get along. That just tease each other because they like each other.

[@kcash6359]

@@benisrood It did make great tv and no one got offended. Now, that wouldn't even happen. People are far too sensitive and egotistical.

[@andersonarmstrong2650]

Mutual respect.

[@garylobo348]

They needed each other.

[@jamesanthony5681]

@@benisrood It was great TV, especially the show with Wilt Chamberlain where Wilt wanted to fight Ali.

[@syourke3]

The chemistry between these two guys was wonderful! I remember those days. Cosell was about the only guy standing up for Ali.

[@Ghstwn]

A a man that gave away his future and a great amount of fortune simply because he stood by his beliefs. Most of us would not give up as much as he did to make a stand. A real person and great champ. Ali.

[@TheRealNewBlackMusic]

the greatest sports comedy team ever! they broke new ground in sports interviews that has never been equaled. in ali's later years i remember coselll crying and begging the ref to stop the fight because ali was going to be seriously injured. truly a golden age in so many ways.

[@adekvat3429]

+1

[@alphazero2005]

+nublackmusic I would've loved to see This Ali with Barkley and Shaq

[@christophersciueref9263]

Ali is possibly the most characteristic man ever!

[@RCoffey45]

What an outstanding friendship these 2 men had! The banter was brilliant!!

[@BAlvn-yr6ej]

He was well-spoken, and a good representative of the sport, and really, of America. I always was a fan, and he will be missed. R.I.P.

[@icantbelieveitsnotnews2828]

Ali is such a gentle spirit for being a killing machine

[@ettawing5955]

Joe Frazier should have retired after the first fight with Ali. Telling Howard, hey, it hurts getting hit in the head. I quit. I don't want to get punch in the head anymore. See how it feels if you go into the ring. I landed one lucky punch and that's all I care. I'm walking out healthy. Kiss my ass. Ali, you the Champ.

[@ettawing5955]

fighting warrior; middle class and

[@karensnyder3214]

Stfu how when he talk abt people in the ring and out their ring

[@e.k874]

it takes more courage to be a lone wolf than to be a a herd of sheep... Ali was a lone wolf, everyone against his stance on Vietnam were a herd of sheep plain and simple

[@AS-pu6wp]

E. K 👍🏼

[@brt1strrbb110]

You know Frazier gave Ali money to help him train right? And every good boxer has their corner, so how is that being a lone wolf?

[@johnnysmithington3749]

@@brt1strrbb110 yeah he did give him money but that doesn’t necessarily mean frazier agreed with Ali’s stances on the war,he gave him money because he saw his friend struggling

[@brt1strrbb110]

@@johnnysmithington3749 they definitely weren't friends at that point. Mostly because of Ali's refusing to be drafted and Ali saying Frazier wasn't the true champion because Ali hadn't lost the title in a fight. And not exactly a lone wolf stance when a huge part of the population agreed with Ali, along with a hell of a lot of people around the world in general. How could he be a lone wolf and also be considered The People's Champion? Last few sentences were more for other people who come across this and the original poster's dumbass statement

[@samyoung9365]

Not really most people do not get drafted to War, but they go anyway. Ali didn’t and besides Ali wouldn’t of been in Actual Combat but basically Giving Boxing Exibitions like Joe Louis did. Most Normal People don’t want to go to War. If you are a Real Bible Believing Born Again Christian you shouldn’t have any Fear of death. But Ali wasn’t a Born Again Christian and I don’t say this in a Mean Way Muhammad Ali is now in Hell and will Suffer for All Eternity but obviously that is True for Everybody; which is most likely 90% of the World’s Population! I actually did like Muhammad Ali but I did not think Ali was the Greatest of All Time Pound for Pound. In my opinion it was “Ray Robinson”.

[@tomitstube]

love how ali always had an answer for howard's outrageousness, and how howard would always laugh at ali's comebacks. great rapport between them, would love to listen them talk off the mic.

[@CFALLIS0002]

Ah man, this is absolute gold. What a great video. I adore the bond these two had through all of the crazy times. I love how to-the-point Cosell is with Ali. He pretty much asked what everyone was thinking at the time, but didnt have the balls to say. Ali is the greatest. Thank you for this upload.

[@jungletiger911]

These 2 had an underlying love, respect and affection for each other

[@mrbobevans]

My grandfather was President of the WBA when Ali was stripped of his title. My grandfather was also from Louisville like Ali and, he personally knew and really liked Ali. My grandfather volunteered and saw the most brutal combat in World War I (Harry Truman's Battery D unit) , which is why he had a hard time understanding Ali's opposition to the Vietnam War. Many years ago Ali signed an autograph for me; he was very nice. I did not tell him who my grandfather was - it is likely he would remember him. Without a doubt, Ali was in his prime when he was stripped of his belt.

[@britishasianguy1]

good thing let the past be bygone but shame we didnt see him prime years ugh that 3 and half years - smh

[@jamesanthony5681]

Milton R. "Bob" Evans ? He must have had some great stories from Truman during his time as President.

[@Ozz050971]

I have no problem understanding his stance. Good for him, greatest champion. I would have done the same thing. Nothing bad at all about his stance in my eyes.

[@suryaprakashvedurumudi357]

Happy 80th Birthday to GOAT. Love from Hyderabad India. 17th January 2022. Respect.

[@ThefightingCelt]

Cosell loved Ali and is on record as saying Ali is the greatest boxer he had ever seen. Cosell was also brutally honest. He was the first to say that Ali would lose to Frazier because of his long lay off and not having enough fights prior to their 1971 Maddison Square Garden match.

[@mrfester42]

Man, I loved Muhammad Ali as a kid and I still do. He was one colorful, exciting and lovable guy. He was always my hero because he stood toe to toe with anyone, including the US government but, as big as his mouth was, his heart was bigger.

[@marcfedak]

thanks footage world for posting this. It was quite hilarious seeing these two icons of the 60s and 70s verbally sparring.

[@liberty5069]

Best protagonist/antagonist interviews in professional sports!

[@salmabibi1221]

Mohammad Ali has blessed with great honour around the globes. He is very famous and people honour him. No one can ever humiliated him or put him down. He is confident in his role as a boxer.

[@salmabibi1221]

Mohammad Ali is a practicing Muslim as well this added to his success and well renowned person all over the world 🌎. People are thrilled and looking forward to see him. He has a great personality. But sometimes he likes to joke and should not be taken seriously as he has a good heart. Allah Almighty grants him Jannat Ul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings.

[@ROCKSTARCRANE]

Ali had a brilliant mind both in and out of the ring. Sports, especially the hard world of boxing, has seldom produced such a role model as Ali. I love him dearly....

[@hashimnasser1]

what an absolute legend, man I wish I was born 40 years earlier, just to be there :)

[@laurapratt2060]

this world should be more like "the greatest", we all have hearts. rip champ.

[@nicamarisol]

This clip is excellent. Those two had a chemistry. TV sports and boxing were both elevated by this pairing. .

[@camq-py7bs]

I loved their relationship. Truly an example of white and black at the time having fun and not looking at race.

[@hellochannel6344]

+camq0789 And most of all: not looking at religion either.

[@jermainbigg3340]

Pretty sure they didnt get along until later

[@connshawnery6489]

camq0789 They are people foremost. The fact their paths met at that opportune time allowed their personal chemistry to flourish. I'm not saying that race means nothing but the black and white thing is a bit socially backwards and primitive at this stage. It's time to grow up from this, communicate effectively, evolve our thinking and be better human beings. Ali was responding to what he felt in his environment up to that point in his life as a sensitive, intelligent man and turned to Islam in order to feel more connected within his culture and also serve his needs spiritually. Cosell also felt like an outsider within his particular culture and upbringing and was the first on the world stage to acknowledge and respect Ali's beliefs and position as a person when there was nothing to gain (as this was during Ali's exile from the sport and facing persecution for his position on the draft). Two friends who came along at the same time and helped one another In a complicated time. The only way to transcend race is to think.

[@Waa-ani]

@cam, cossel is Jewish, not sure about white or black thing.. But good relationship between 2 individuals

[@THEDONSTR8Fightah76]

Conn Shawnery Yeah, today black people need to change their ways.

[@rugerboy7911]

he kept Ali relevant even when they stripped him of his title he help Ali in so many ways I love their relationship

[@syourke3]

The greatest heavyweight and the greatest sports announcer.

[@charlesmartella]

I don't care what anyone says their is a genuine friendship and a chemistry between Ali and Cossel. I heard Ali say on one video " I love working with Howard Cossel " and on another 3 videos interviews with Ali when Cossel wasn't present Ali asked about Howard Cossel or made reference to him.

[@ProducerMikeFaber]

I love the dynamic between Ali and Cosell.

[@MGR1900]

While everyone will remember Ali for his fighting skills, people were really being entertained by Ali's great tv presence. Ali was really bluffing the whole time but deep down you knew he was a genuine gentle giant. RIP Mohammed Ali! He was the greatest not because of his boxing skills but because he was a genuine good guy.

[@ettawing5955]

He never wanted to Jerry Quarry, Jean Pere Coopman

[@Anetekonjo]

I love these two together! Too funny!

[@animus3328]

He was the best... and very intelligent....and extremely good looking...:):)..i miss him so much.. And these 2..what a show..bravo!!

[@johnsebastianalday5698]

The final part of the interview always gets to me. It's like watching two longtime friends who were forced to go their separate ways for a long period of time due to unfortunate circumstance(s). The two friends reunite once more, ask how they have been doing, reminisce about the good ol' days, and ultimately have to say goodbye again. Cosell: "It's been fun. We missed it." Ali: "Well-things may get better soon." Cosell: "One more shuffle." Ali: "Well- if I do the shuffle, you might have to scuffle." Cosell: (LAUGHS) "We've done that too. Good luck to you." Ali: "Thank you." At the end when Ali affectionately grabbed Howard on the chest, that spoke volumes to the brotherly love and bond that these two shared, need not utter a word. In his exile, Ali was appreciative to have a friend/brother in Howard and Howard was likewise glad to have a friend/brother in Ali. R.I.P. Champ 🥊🔥 R.I.P. "Humble Howard" 🎤🔥

[@virtualsnake1994]

the banter between these two is legendary, always needling each other.

[@CumCherryPie]

These 2 were uniquely in sync every time they spoke.

[@dezet7654]

Mohammed Ali and Howard Coselle were two champion components within themselves just them two alone over the years. They were so fun to watch Mohammed would never let Howard get the upper hand or out talk him no matter how hard he tried. Those two men will be truly missed by so many I'm sure..A movie should be made about Mohammed Ali and Howard Coselle alone on how they jaw janked and battled verbally over the years about boxing. Rest in Peace with the angels of God both Mohammed Ali and Howard Coselle. ❣❣❣

[@cut1986]

Those two were magic together!

[@jamesanthony5681]

Yes they were. It was must-see TV whenever Cosell and Ali were on together.

[@datapro007]

Great memories. Thanks for posting.

[@TheMstrofPropaganda]

Greatest trash talker of all time. Who could back it up. This man stood up for what was right when it was considered wrong in the prime of his career. Would never see this in 2010. Never.

[@dennispearson9287]

WONDERFUL !!! THESE. GUYS WERE. INCREDIBLE !!!...

[@itsstillfriday]

That sound is great to have just just been recorded only from that one handheld mic!!! :-) Great interview!! I hadn't seen this one!! FUN!! :-)

[@MikeRedman1975]

Simply just the greatest fighter ever!!!!!!!

[@ettawing5955]

5:07 Muhammad looks right at the camera before he grabs Howard's lapel. Love it.

[@carlylee7989]

ha! comment number 300 not a boxing fan but this video is off the hook as GREAT ENTERTAINMENT and A NEVER FORGOTTEN PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

[@Ramin233]

These two men absolute legends

[@Lorendrawn]

Before we had Ariel and Rampage, we had Ali vs Cosell.

[@alphazero2005]

I love these two together lol

[@mikehansen7610]

No sound, absolutely amazing.

[@akoms1]

I never saw ali so serious as he was in this interview.

[@gregoryapacheramos5607]

I enjoyed that step back in time .. THANK U .

[@kevinwells4888]

The love Cosell had for Ali was always palpable.

[@johnjordan6032]

Compare how Ali handled critique with Cosell and how Mayweather did with Larry Merchant then you’ll understand what it means to be the greatest.

[@anitawebstar4033]

True friendship regardless of the race issue during that era.R.I.P.to the both of you gentlemen....

[@jadentrez]

Say what you will about Cosell, but I appreciate the directness and clarity of his interviewing style. Nowadays, so many sports journalists have this lazy, fast food style of interviewing ("Take us through this ..." "What's the takeaway? etc) Cosell was a lawyer, and his questions reflect his background -- they are on point, precise and engaging. I think Ali enjoyed needling Cosell, and was at times irritated, but nevertheless appreciated Cosell's professionalism.

[@VillageMan1971]

thank u for posting!!!!

[@YouReallyMuseMe]

Nobody in boxing with charismatic presence like Ali in his day.

[@tracyclark573]

Till this day you mean.. Fr Fr ..lol

[@haafa920]

God bless both of them

[@krnpowr]

Two legends.

[@guyboxerdog]

The greatest line we could ever use if we needed to show an alien what humanity truly is was when he said "I am not going to travel half way across the world to kill other poor people" Fucking outstanding internal rationalising that man had. For my job I negotiate for a buying group so I see lots of people barter and argue and I learn from it, but this guy was subhuman. His retorts felt like they came from a never ending pit of unstoppable rebuttals. And what do we have today? "OMG" and "LOL"

[@davidv4602]

Both are in heaven looking down on us and commentating our remembrance of both these icons

[@tommyt1971]

And arguing!

[@anthonygilbert475]

these two were great together

[@superhuther]

Two great entertainers. Knew how to make a crowd wanna watch.

[@mihailtodorov9620]

Ali's mind is so sharp.

[@dntlss]

Dammit man, this is GOLD, thank you for posting!!!!

[@uncjim]

PRICELESS...Thanks for the upload. I remember it well.

[@Brian-on8kb]

Imagine an interviewer asking fighters or talking to fighters this way? Not happening now, this was a beautiful time!! Now it's all scripted, this is not scripted!!

[@justwanna007]

R. I. P . Ali!!!!

[@Narration___Nation]

Rip Cowell

[@Jedtumble]

Yeah, have you seen the tribute video Cosell made for Ali when he turned 70 ? Both had tears in their eyes..

[@unclepaulyyentertainment]

Ali such a class act Rest in peace the Goat

[@mateuszpohoryles]

Happy Birthday Champ!

[@bowattanga]

the two made very captivating interviews

[@garethelliott21]

@shirye i think that was actually a touch affection on alis part. cosell actually stuck by ali through all the draft stuff and gave him the air time etc to get his points across and pull the public onto his side. when ali said they didnt get along that was clearly a joke. cosell always maintained that ali was the true champion. when ali grabbed cosell i think it was a but of a thank you and actually one of the most important parts of this video.

[@brianticas7671]

Can we compare brian Kenny vs floyd Mayweather with ali vs cossell?

[@vincent15641]

@TheFlanker35 The same questionable victories happened with other fighters also. Rocky Marciano only fought boxers who came out of retirement or light heavy weights and then he quit after only 6 soft title defenses. Yet he almost lost to Jersey Joe. Since Joe Louis held they belt twice as long as anybody, that alone should qualify him as the greatest of all time. But Ali was the most exciting of all time- and the one I admire the most because had the most courage outside the ring!

[@lissajanes]

rest in peace Ali the Champ is here always

[@PersonalityTst]

Awesome video

[@MrYatesj1]

The love these two felt for each other is heartwarming, but to hear comments from Ali about the gov and the IRS is eye opening. The truth in journalism in those days,GAWD! It just does not feel like that now, that was real. Ali was one of the greatest of all time greatest, if not The greatest vs a Tyson who disrespected the sport after it crowned him the new king.

[@Marciano240]

Ali has more charisma than any person I have ever seen in or on any forum on the planet. Marciano 240

[@ettawing5955]

I love how Cosell made sure his microphone captures every word of Muhammad Ali.

[@Blackjesus3]

what a great team they made

[@5Be4Funk]

Funny how Ali mentions everyone around the world asking why he and Cosell don't get along. Fact is they always did.When he announced that he would no longer answer to Cassius Clay and was to be addressed as Muhammad Ali from now on, most people continued to call him Clay. Especially sports reporters. Cosell never called him Clay again. He also continued to refer to Ali as"Champ" throughout his 3 year suspension. Ali never forgot the loyalty and respect he got from Cosell when he needed it most

[@elainemorey1119]

very true,cosell actually apologized on air for accidently calling him clay.the famous cosell line to ali "you are free to be what you want to be"

[@vanshipman]

Ali truly was amazing, and I loved that him and Howard were such good friends.

[@elcabrito21]

Good friends these two and fun to watch

[@starcastleLomitas]

Homemade champion LOL. I love it

[@LFraudHubbard]

Brilliant!

[@BXGUY73]

I agree with you 100% Great comment, anyone who still doesn't know that is a FOOL

[@Tonio99]

"poppin off about how hard he hits and this and that..." classic

[@shanghai72]

So now they can talk again on cloud 9.

[@alphazero2005]

+1

[@markwalker6673]

howard and ali oh my god i miss america

[@ettawing5955]

Beautifully done interview.

[@32cant]

The ending is beyond words...

[@RonnieGorotto]

He was the absolute best!!!!!!!!

[@marcusrogers9441]

Priceless times

[@1890Groucho]

A number of athletes and actors ducked military service, so it's unfair that Ali was singled out. Another poster mentioned Dempsey. Also Rocky Graziano who went AWOL, John Wayne who never served, Ronald Reagan, who never saw action, Bill Clinton and many others. Yet Ali was stripped of his title, his license and his passport for three years. Ali did plenty that I didn't like such as calling Joe Frazier an uncle Tom and ignoratnt, and he deserved to be scorned for that, but punishing him for his ant-war stance was plain wrong.

[@thesly74]

lex Lewis WOW, John Wayne really ?

[@1890Groucho]

thesly74 Yup. John Wayne didn't want to interrupt his acting career so he used his Hollywood connections to stay out of the service. Other entertainers like Henry Fonda, Kirk Douglas, Audie Murphy and Glen Miller, enlisted and served. What's ironic about Wayne is that he appeared in many war films and was a tremendous war monger.

[@thesly74]

lex Lewis I can't fucking believe it. Especially for the reason you mentioned, him doing so many war movies WOW. Thank you for that information.

[@1890Groucho]

thesly74 You're welcome.

[@JamieTransNyc]

+lex Lewis I think I remember hearing that Stallone spent the Vietnam war in Canada as a draft dodger. Ironic that he thereafter made those Rambo movies. I remember in one of them, he said "I want what they want, and what every guy who went over there wants... for our country to love us like we love our country" when he said that, people in the audience immediately started booing....

[@SMOKEAHONTIS718]

Lmfao they way they pop shit back and forth is priceless. Just priceless.

[@tomitstube]

two very eccentric personalities. classic stuff.

[@EFFSEVEN]

his relationship with cosell is the best

[@normamcmanus1139]

Real love and friendship right there!