SCOTTSDALE - The National Enquirier reports that Muhammad Ali is living out his final days near Scottsdale, ravaged by Parkinson's syndrome, weak and barely able to speak. Friends say they know the boxing legend is in his final days because last week he called for his three-time opponent and former heavy-weight champ Joe Frazier so that Ali could "punch him in the face one last time." When Ali's wife Yolanda related the invitation to "Smokin' Joe," she was more diplomatic, saying that Ali "wants to say goodbye to you in person." Frazier has personally disliked Ali since the two men first fought in 1971 because Ali took every opportunity to publicly disparage Frazier, routinely insulting his intelligence and referring to him as a “gorilla.” But sympathetic to Ali's condition, Frazier agreed to make the trek to the Arizona desert.
When Frazier was ushered into Ali's living room, he was shocked by Ali's appearance. Frazier made polite small talk for ten minutes but the blank look on Ali's face made him believe Ali did not even know he was there. Frazier decided to cut short his visit and started to get up to leave when, WHAM! Ali let loose a left from out of nowhere, clipping Frazier solidly on the chin and sending him to the floor.
A stunned Frazier angrily accused Ali of making a fool of him. Ali's wife Yolanda diffused the tension by telling Frazier that Ali "was just being playful," and that sometimes he has one good punch in him, but never more than one. "Okay," said a suspicious Frazier, rubbing his chin. Frazier slowly sat down again and started reminiscing about Don King when, WHAM! Ali delivered a solid right to the nose, this time drawing blood.
"That's it, that's it," shouted Frazier. "I'm out of here. For thirty-five years he's been doing this to me!" Yolanda ushered him to the door, apologizing profusely. "It's not your fault," said Frazier. "Well, I'm so glad you understand," said Yolanda. Frazier extended his hand to shake hers. "I'm sorry this didn't go better --" But then, WHAM! Yolanda floored him with a left uppercut to the chin.
A dazed Frazier struggled to get up. "You people are crazy," he shouted as he ran out. From his chair in the corner of the room, tears of joy streamed down Ali's face.
