ATLANTA -- One of the pivotal moments of Muhammad Ali’s life came through Atlanta.
Ali did not fight for a period of about 3 and a half years. He refused to be enlisted into the military over his opposition to the Vietnam War.
He was denied a boxing license in every state as his case worked its way through the appeals process.
But something changed thanks to Georgia State Senator Leroy R. Johnson of Atlanta, the first African-American to be elected to the legislature in 50 years. Johnson is an attorney and he knew how to put the system on the ropes.
Johnson discovered the state of Georgia had no say in whether or not Ali could box in Atlanta. It was a municipality issue
"I was surprised there was no law in Georgia dealing with a boxing commission," Johnson said. "Because if there had been, I’m not sure I could do this."
Johnson went to the Mayor, Sam Massell, and told him his idea. Massell said it would be difficult because of two groups.
The White Citizen Council and the Klu Klux Klan.
Luckily, Johnson was friends with Atlanta City Council members. He always adhered to the idea that friends always trump enemies
"There is an old saying in politics: You dance with the one who brings you," Johnson said. "Sam [Massell] laughed and said I’m with you."
The political trail wound toward Governor Lester Maddox. The governor's son had been in trouble with the law, so Johnson used redemption as a theme in their meeting.
"Governor, everyone deserves a second chance, and I want to give Ali a second chance to fight in the ring," Johnson pleaded.
Maddox agreed.
That night, hate groups fired bullets through the Johnson family window at home. The district attorney, Lewis Slayton, had to put the family under protection.
But that wasn't the only issue.
Maddox changed his mind. The fight was off.
It took former Governor Carl Sanders, a friend of Johnson, to pressure Maddox with the state attorney general for one more meeting between the governor and Senator Johnson.
"Gov? Where do we stand? On with the fight," Sanders said.
While the politics were maddening and the personal safety issue frightening, Johnson was trying to cut a deal for an opponent.
Joe Frazier wanted in.
The senator was back and forth with Frazier. They wanted Ali to fight an exhibition in Atlanta.
"We got it at Morehouse and did everything, but they changed their mind."
Why? Johnson still to this day has no clue.
The rest is history.
Jerry Quarry was the eventual opponent for Ali, and the fight began 'The Greatest's' return. Ali won in three quick rounds before defeating Quarry.
How different would Ali’s history be without Johnson and the Atlanta fight? Maybe there is no second act? Maybe we would only remember the 1960s.
It's a fact: Johnson and Atlanta helped changed the world.
