In 1971, two of the greatest athletes in history—Wilt Chamberlain and Muhammad Ali—almost faced off in what would have been an unprecedented boxing match. The idea of Chamberlain, a basketball legend, challenging Ali, the reigning heavyweight champion, captivated the sports world. However, despite serious negotiations, the fight never materialized, leaving fans to forever wonder what might have been.
The Build-Up to the Fight
By 1971, Muhammad Ali was one of the most famous athletes on the planet. After being banned from boxing for three years for refusing military service during the Vietnam War, he was back in the ring and eager to reclaim his heavyweight title. Meanwhile, Wilt Chamberlain, at 35, was still dominating the NBA but was nearing retirement. Known for his incredible size, strength, and athleticism, Chamberlain saw boxing as his next challenge.
Jim Brown, the legendary football player, acted as the promoter and managed to secure significant financial backing for the fight. ABC even arranged a special sports segment where both Ali and Chamberlain appeared together to discuss the possibility of the match. After several rounds of negotiations, Ali finally agreed to fight Chamberlain, enticed by the huge payday.
Chamberlain’s Motivation
Chamberlain had already cemented his place as one of basketball’s greatest players. His records—such as scoring 100 points in a single game and grabbing 55 rebounds in another—remain unbroken to this day. With an NBA championship and multiple MVP awards, Chamberlain was looking for a new challenge.
In Tom Hauser’s book Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, Chamberlain admitted that he was offered more money for the fight than he had ever earned in basketball. This, along with his competitive nature, made the fight an attractive prospect.
Ali’s Mind Games and Chamberlain’s Withdrawal
The fight was set to take place at Madison Square Garden, and a press conference was arranged to announce it. However, as Chamberlain entered the room, Ali greeted him with a loud, taunting “Timber!”—suggesting that the towering basketball player would fall like a felled tree.
According to legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum, Chamberlain was visibly shaken. He stepped out with his lawyer and, after a brief discussion, announced that he would not go through with the fight. Officially, Chamberlain’s legal team cited financial concerns, stating that his after-tax earnings would be too low. However, many believe that Ali’s psychological tactics played a major role in Chamberlain’s decision to back out.
Wilt’s Reflection
Years later, Chamberlain revealed another reason for his withdrawal: his father. As he recalled, he had told his father about his plan to fight Ali, only to receive a simple but wise piece of advice—he should focus on improving his free throws instead. That comment made Chamberlain reconsider, and ultimately, he decided against the fight.
A What-If for the Ages
Had the fight taken place, it would have been one of the most fascinating matchups in sports history. Chamberlain, standing at 7’1″ with a massive reach advantage, might have posed some challenges for Ali. However, Ali’s speed, skill, and experience in the ring would likely have given him the upper hand.
Though the world never got to see Ali vs. Chamberlain, the mere possibility of the fight remains one of the greatest “what-ifs” in sports history.
