Ali: The Fight America Didn't Want [Paperback]

A gripping account of Muhammad Ali's comeback fight against Jerry Quarry, set against the backdrop of a divided America.

In 1970, as America grappled with the Vietnam War and racial tensions, Muhammad Ali, exiled for his beliefs, sought to reclaim his boxing crown. This is the story of his controversial return, a fight few cities dared to host, until Atlanta, Georgia, stepped up. Facing 'Great White Hope' Jerry Quarry, Ali's comeback became a symbol of hope and defiance for a nation in turmoil.

Ali: The Fight America Didn't Wantexplores the drama inside and outside the ring, from the political machinations to an infamous after-party robbery. Discover the untold story of a fight that reignited a legend and mirrored a nation's struggle for change. Perfect for readers of sports biography and American history.

Not everything has been told about the life of Muhammad Ali. One fight has been forgotten and the extraordinary story - of racism, celebrity, an audacious crime and, above all, an important boxing match - is told here for the first time.Russell Routledge started his working life at Newcastle City Council, for whom he worked during Ali's visit to Tyneside in 1977. He was later lucky enough to spend time with the champion himself on several occasions, including on his seventieth birthday in 2012. He lives in Newcastle upon Tyne.