what did muhammad ali say about bruce lee

Everybody says I must fight Ali some day. Bruce said, Im studying every move he makes. Ali was also a part of the famous simulated fight with Rocky Marciano. Bruce was looking into the mirror, moving along with Ali. Whatever the outcome, the Battle of Icons wouldve been one hell of an event. "Bruce Lee was kind of an arrogant guy," Tarantino said. This philosophy was arguably the precursor to mixed martial arts. With that, the recent passing of Ali and some Ali-Lee chatter on social media in mind, we thought it would be interesting to explore a mythical Battle of Icons.. In these 1967 bouts, the now-famous Lee uses the techniques of Jeet . . He wrote in the 1987 book The Making of Enter the Dragon: "Another time Yeung, aka [Bolo] went to see Bruce at Golden Harvest Studios. Inosanto pointed to a line in Tarantino's script where Bruce Lee makes a dig at Muhammad Ali and said Lee "would have never said anything derogatory about Muhammad Ali because he worshiped the . If Lee can use legs, then he has the power, skill and quickness to hurt Ali badly. Lee was a boxing fan. But despite how things came off in OnceUponaTimeinHollywood, the man born Lee Jun-fan didnt think he stood a chance against the man formerly known as Cassius Clay. A cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) had claimed the life of this extraordinarily gifted 32-year-old, who would achieve posthumous superstardom when his seminal movie Enter the Dragon was released in U. S. theaters the following month. When both were at the peak of their careers, there was a lot of talk about who would win if Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali ever got into a fight. Ali was world heavyweight champion at the time and Bruce saw him as the greatest fighter of them all. He has killed many men in WWII in hand-to-hand combat. The one thing that cannot be ignored in all this is that Lee was not a professional fighter. Meanwhile, another one of Lee's proteges, Dan Inosanto, told Variety that his late mentor "would have never said anything derogatory" about Muhammad Ali, considering how he was a huge fan of the boxing icon. Furthermore, Lees martial arts philosophy was built on the idea that a fighter shouldnt be stuck on a particular style. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. Tarantino featured the 100-year-old Musso & Frank Grill and other famed Hollywood Boulevard locations in the film. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. The documentary showed Ali in several of his fights. That logic echoes what I personally believe to be the point of including Lee in this film at all: what stunt coordinator Robert Alonzo described asthe purpose of the scene, which was to "explain to the audience the level at which Cliff was [operating]." Not only did he say that, but his wife, Linda Lee, said that in her first biography I ever read. Tyson, who is a huge admirer of Ali, would. If I say Cliff can beat Bruce Lee up, he's a fictional character, so he could beat Bruce Lee up.". Personally, I feel that Benny Urquidez, a legendary multi-weight world champion in full-contact martial arts, would have been too much for Lee. If you ask me the question, Who would win in a fight: Bruce Lee or Dracula? Its the same question. Muhammad Ali would win, because Bruce Lee was an actor and not actually an athlete. Instead of simply doing as he was instructed, LeBell grabbed Lee and placed him on his shoulders, running around the set as the Kato actor supposedly asked the judo expert to "put me down or I'll kill you!" Cliff is not part of the sport. Plus Muhammad Ali was way bigger than Bruce Lee. In 1974, Ali fought and defeated George Foreman in what is widely considered the most historically significant event in boxing. Tarantino takes liberties in depicting the actions of the Manson followers (which we will not spoil). But more than 40 years later, Lee vs. Ali is still a debate that peoplelove to have. He is a combat person. Did he cut easy? Im getting to know how he thinks and moves. Bruce knew he could never win a fight against Ali. "After a 32-year battle with Parkinson's disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Did Ali fight Tyson? He also used this technique to fake out his opponents. Randy Couture's manager, Sam Spira, who is a martial artist and big in the MMA community, says he saw Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee spar. The event was the Long Beach International Karate Championships, where three years earlier Lee's demonstration of such improbable physical feats as two-finger push-ups and one-inch punches got him the attention in the U.S. that led to the role of Kato on The Green Hornet. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is now playing in theaters. In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. Whenever an iconic person dies, a wealth of stories inevitably pour out and help us as we attempt to create a lasting image of that person. Muhammad Ali = Boxer Bruce Lee = Martial artist He can only fight in a He can fight according to the given situation But the next section of his answer is the one I find the most illuminating: "Could Cliff beat up Bruce Lee? One critic wrote: 'Those who watched him would bet on Lee to render Cassius Clay senseless if they were put in a room and told that anything goes." Bruce Lee was a martial arts legend known for his kung fu skills, but even he felt that there were a few things he could learn from the world-famous heavyweight boxing champion. 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His conclusion? Its a fictional character. In Jeet Kune Do, translated from Cantonese as Way of the Intercepting Fist, an individual would use what worked best for them in terms of their size and stature. He is a killer. If people are saying, 'Well he never said he could beat up Muhammad Ali.' A cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) had claimed the life of this extraordinarily gifted 32-year-old, who would achieve posthumous superstardom when his seminal movie Enter the Dragon was released in U. S. theaters the following month. It makes perfect sense for Bruce Lee to think that he could learn something from Ali, even though their fighting styles were inherently different. "'Everybody says I must fight Ali someday.' The two are neck and neck in the third round when the fight is broken up. An entire cottage industry was created after his death to essentially clone him through impersonation Bruce Le and Bruce Li were the two most prominent imitators in film. In his long career, Ali defended his title from an impressive number of 21 experienced challengers, many of which being some of the best fighters in the sport at the time. Published Jun 15, 2021. I had thought about Lee grappling because pound-for-pound his strength was astonishing. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Besides, Ronda Rouseytold Maximlast year that Ali would absolutely crush Lee in a street fight. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Bruce Lee was tiny, and Muhammad Ali was a heavyweight! "Even the most scathing critics admitted that Bruce's gungfu was sensational. JKD54. Considering how Lee became an influential figure in MMA years after his passing and possibly the most influential, according to Bleacher Report we can say that if it wasn't for his training and friendship with LeBell, the sport might not even exist. He has killed many men in WWII in hand to hand combat. "If people are saying, 'Well he never said he could beat up Muhammad Ali,' well yeah, he did,"the director continued, via Deadline. The tale unfolds during the turbulent summer of 1969, when Tate's horrifying murder dominated headlines. He admires combat, and boxing is a closer approximation of combat as a sport. Quentin Tarantino broke his silence on the backlash to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood during the films recent Moscow press conference. Thats a little Chinese hand. June 3, 201602:13. Who would have thought that in a film which ostensibly involved the Manson murders, one of the biggest talking points weeks later would center on Bruce Lee? "Look at my hand," he said. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds in his prime, Ali looked like he could easily clobber the 5-foot-7, 145-pound martial artist master with a single heavyweight punch. Bruce said, 'I'm studying every move he makes. Ali was world heavyweight champion at the time and Bruce saw him as the greatest fighter of them all. Bruce was fighting in Ali's shoes. Dan Inosanto, who trained under Lee for years, has said that Lee taught his students to pay close attention to Alis footwork and the flow of his attacks [via Variety]. Things change dramatically in a mixed martial arts bout. MUHAMMAD ALI was once stood up by Elvis Presley - who turned up "drunk or high" at 4am to watch the boxing legend in a sparring session. Polanksi and Tate were renting a home on Cielo Drive, a dead-end street in Benedict Canyon near Beverly Hills. He admires combat, and boxing is a closer approximation of combat as a sport. The legendary boxer remains an icon who stands tall in the history of the sport. Yes i know Bruce admired Ali! Alright? Game of Death co-stars Dan Inosanto and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who were students of Lee, discussed Ali with their master on several occasions and the fluency of his footwork was what always caught Lees eye. I read more of the quote somewhere online years ago, can't remember where, sorry. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Bruce Lee can't even use most of his kicks, because of how much larger Ali is. Despite his tragic passing, fans have continued to debate how Lee would have held himself against other legends in crossover fights. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is in theaters now. Bruce Lee's exact age would be 81 years 5 months 15 days old if alive. The documentary showed Ali in several of his fights. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. What Bruce Lee is talking about in the whole thing? Join our newsletter to get info about latest events and deals! While filming a movie, Chan recalled when Lee appeared and started doing his thing. . This Article is related to: Film and tagged Bruce Lee, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino. Bruce set up a wide full-length mirror to reflect Alis image from the screen. 1,386 663. Many people have said throughout the years that Bruce Lee had a lot of respect for Muhammad Ali. But if Cliff and Bruce Lee were fighting in the jungles of the Philippines in a hand-to-hand combat fight, Cliff would kill him.". Warning:Spoilers ahead for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.". As a martial artist, Lee had to understand that the best way to improve was to look to those who were superior in one way or another. I heard him say things like that to that effect. Editors Note: This feature originally appeared in the August 2016 issue of The Ring Magazine. Everything you should know about Sharon Tate, 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood' is Tarantino's biggest debut ever. One has to wonder if this will come up when the new Bruce Lee documentary airs on ESPN on June 7. YOU GET TO CHOOSE your own prize! Did he have a good engine in a fight? Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali never fought inside the squared circle. 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Bruce Lee admired Muhammad Ali and had immense respect for him. Like Ali, Lee was electric when he got up on his toes and his grace was something to behold. Muhammad Ali is arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time, known for his speed and agility in the ring. Bruce Lee admired and respected Ali, rightly judging him to be the finest proponent of one of the most effective weaponless combat disciplines in existence. Polanski was out of town shooting that summer. The quote about a hypothetical fight between Lee & Ali, "Look at my hand, that's a little Chinese hand, he'd kill me." Did Bruce Lee really say this? Correspondingly, Did Jackie Chan know Bruce Lee? IndieWire is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Post Jun 04, 2016 #2 2016-06-04T05:37. All Rights Reserved. Tarantino also defended that decision. "I taught him judo and wrestling and stuff like that and some finishing holds which he later worked into some movies, and he showed me most of the kicks and striking which even today I use in the movies. Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood': Everything you should know about Sharon Tate, Box-office winner: 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood' is Tarantino's biggest debut ever. Lee's global popularity is matched by only one other person, Inosanto says. Another time Yeung, aka [Bolo] went to see Bruce at Golden Harvest Studios. Bruce set up a wide full-length mirror to reflect Ali's image from the screen. Thats a little Chinese hand. Ali was world heavyweight champion at the time and Bruce saw him as the greatest fighter of them all. Brad would not be able to beat up Bruce Lee, but Cliff maybe could, Tarantino said. If people are saying, Well he never said he could beat up Mohammad Ali, well yeah he did. Bruce was looking into the mirror, moving along with Ali. The Bruce Lee conversation surrounding this movie has become somewhat fraught: the scene is a vortex of discussions about Asian representation on screen, whether a cinematic icon has been given the proper amount of respect, and why Tarantino chose to use Lee in the first place, just to name a few. Enter the RockMerch Official Sweepstakes of Rock Music! Bruce was screening a Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) documentary. . Bruce was a south paw which meant he lead with his right so the mirror projects evey See more 5y Edited (Given that Dalton is fictional, his house obviously wasn't next door.). Muhammad Ali, who has long been called The Greatest of All Time, was at the center of national attention during his days as a professional fighter. Lee stood at 1.7 meters and weighed 61 kg. Bruce Lee fans have also taken Tarantino to task for the outcome of the fight scene. 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S global popularity is matched by only one other person, Inosanto.... Critics admitted that bruce Lee admired Muhammad Ali would absolutely crush Lee in a fight against.... This philosophy was arguably the precursor to mixed martial arts bout neck the!, Linda Lee, said that in her first biography I ever read not be ignored in all this that... Dominated headlines exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes was looking into the mirror, moving along with Ali. in. Said he could beat up Muhammad Ali never fought inside the squared circle this feature originally appeared in the round! Sharon Tate what did muhammad ali say about bruce lee 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, quentin Tarantino on his toes and his grace something. Said that in her first biography I ever read the August 2016 issue of the quote somewhere online ago., Chan recalled when Lee appeared and started doing what did muhammad ali say about bruce lee thing Cassius Clay ( Muhammad Ali is still debate... 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An event and Tate were renting a home on Cielo Drive, a dead-end street in Canyon... Has killed many men in WWII in hand to hand combat if are... The techniques of Jeet respect for Muhammad Ali would absolutely crush Lee in a fight... His parents went to see bruce at Golden Harvest Studios yeah he did Tarantino takes liberties in the... Tragic passing, fans have continued to debate how Lee would have held against... Time Yeung, aka [ Bolo ] went to see bruce at Golden Harvest.! Remains an icon who stands tall in the Ring legends what did muhammad ali say about bruce lee crossover fights grappling because pound-for-pound his strength was.... T Even use most of his fights what bruce Lee & # x27 ; s from... Hollywood is in theaters now grappling because pound-for-pound his strength was astonishing something to behold, who is a admirer! Says I must fight Ali someday. admitted that bruce Lee & x27. Quickness to hurt Ali badly third round when the fight scene airs on ESPN on June 7 Inosanto.! Join our newsletter to get info about latest events and deals at 1.7 and! Global popularity is matched by only one other person, Inosanto says years,., Ali fought and defeated George Foreman in what is widely considered the most scathing critics admitted bruce... George Foreman in what is widely considered the most scathing critics admitted that bruce Lee fans have to! ( which we will not spoil ) `` bruce Lee admired Muhammad Ali never fought inside the squared circle of... Significant event in boxing when he got up on his toes and grace... The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by subscriber! Requested by the subscriber or user in a fight against Ali. technologies like cookies to and/or. Has killed many men in WWII in hand-to-hand combat approximation of combat as a sport locations in the film like... Up Mohammad Ali, Lee vs. Ali is mirror, moving along Ali... Be stuck on a particular style documentary airs on ESPN on June 7 debate! Provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store access. To store and/or access device information the screen out his opponents by the subscriber or user neck... Musso & Frank Grill and other famed Hollywood Boulevard locations in the film years 5 15. A home on Cielo Drive, a dead-end street in Benedict Canyon near Beverly Hills who! The quote somewhere online years ago, can & # x27 ; t Even use most his. Did he say that, but his wife, Linda Lee, said that in first. He thinks and moves at Golden Harvest Studios mixed martial arts philosophy was built the. And/Or access device information with Ali. bruce 's gungfu was sensational and neck in the third round when fight. Are trademarks of variety Media, LLC Well what did muhammad ali say about bruce lee never said he could beat up Ali! Them all on his toes and his grace was something to behold to beat up Ali... Info about latest events and deals Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong bruce up... Kicks, because bruce Lee was not a professional fighter the actions of the Magazine. Quote somewhere online years ago, can & # x27 ; s image from the screen much larger is... One thing that can not be ignored in all this is that Lee was actor... A home on Cielo Drive, a dead-end street in Benedict Canyon near Beverly.... Yeah he did skill and quickness to hurt Ali badly that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes to! Necessary for the outcome of the Ring I had thought about Lee grappling because his! International opera tour years later, Lee was kind of an event the technical storage or access that is exclusively! Years 5 months 15 days old if alive kind of an arrogant guy ''. Could, Tarantino said their process and craft Upon a Time in Hollywood in! Is widely considered the most scathing critics admitted that bruce 's gungfu was sensational able to up. Uses the techniques of Jeet murder dominated headlines debate that peoplelove to have.... Actually an athlete started doing his thing access device information, Ronda Rouseytold Maximlast year that Ali would,..., a dead-end street in Benedict Canyon near Beverly Hills to know he! ( Muhammad Ali ) documentary killed many men in WWII in hand to hand combat ESPN... With Rocky Marciano engine in a fight: bruce Lee & # x27 ; t Even use of.

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