Sports Illustrated’s “Doom in the desert” describes Muhammad Ali’s return against Larry Holmes at Caesars Palace. Ali is 38, facing a champion who had once worked as his sparring partner. The piece traces the difference between the familiar pre-fight performance and the physical reality exposed in the ring.
Pat Putnam places the bout inside the business and promotion surrounding Ali’s comeback, including Don King’s role. This is an essential counterweight to a history made only of triumphant Vegas fight nights. The event could be marketed as a spectacle while also raising questions about an aging fighter, the people around him and the price of carrying on.
Doom in the desert
Sports Illustrated
Read at Sports Illustrated (opens in a new tab)Original October 13, 1980 issue; the linked SI page is a 2015 republication.
Original summary by ArenaLV. The source article, photographs and audio remain with their publisher. Access conditions may vary.