Holmes vs. Ali: The Greatest...

Looking at the Larry Holmes v Muhammad Ali fight is like looking at the playground bully fighting a kindergartner.  Muhammad Ali's greatness had long since past.  Still considered the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time, Ali was seeking one last return to the ring for a huge payday.  At that point, Holmes was knocking out heavyweight after heavyweight.  Two years into retirement, Ali had essentially been traveling the world as a representative of Islam and the world of boxing.  Larry Holmes had been a sparring partner of Ali and a friend, but after Holmes' decimation of Ali and the subsequent media and fan response, Ali and Holmes' relationship fell apart.  With that said, answer the following questions with the 30-for-30 we viewed in class in mind.

1) What does one have to gain from clinging to their sport long after their greatness or skills have become deficient?  Explain.

2) Looking at the careers of Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan, do you think that they retired early, late or at just the right time?  This will require you to check out other websites.  DON'T BE LAZY HERE!  Support your opinion with what you find/facts.

3)   Do great athletes have a responsibility to their fans and their sport to retire at an appropriate time to preserve their legacy in their sport?  Explain.

4) Finally, look back at the major sports and share your favorite "previous era" athlete.  Give a 3-5 sentence summary of the athlete, their accomplishments and their post sport life.

WORTH 20 POINTS.  DUE MONDAY, MARCH 18.

THE FIGHT--IF YOU WANT TO WATCH IT, HERE IT IS.