Fans remember Michael Parkinson's 'iconic' interviews with boxer Muhammad Ali

Virgin Radio

17 Aug 2023, 10:38

Of all of Michael Parkinson’s celebrity interviews, his conversations with boxer Muhammad Ali are up there with the very best.

Michael Parkinson, who sadly died last night (16th August) at the age of 88, was undoubtedly one of the world's greatest interviewers.

In July of 1971, he began his eponymous BBC series, Parkinson, in which he chatted with some huge names, including Sir Elton John, Madonna, Sir Billy Connolly, and Dame Helen Mirren. Not to mention Rod Hull and Emu!

However, few interviews were better than when Parkinson sparred with Muhammad Ali, who is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.

The chat show host interviewed the boxing champion four times. In one encounter, Ali said: “I'm not just a boxer. I can talk all week on millions of subjects. You do not have enough wisdom to corner me on television.”

He added: “You are too small mentally to tackle me on nothing I represent.'

Parky responded: “Must have been a good question I asked you because you’ve been talking for about 15 minutes.”

“I’ll talk for 20 more,” Ali replied.

One encounter saw Parkinson say: “I’m not going to argue with you.” 

Ali replied: “You’re not as dumb as you look.” 

Elsewhere, the legendary interviewer said to Ali: “I believe anything you tell me. I always have done,” 

He simply replied: “You’re smart”.

One fan wrote on Twitter, formerly X: “Michael Parkinson doesn't say a word here because he knows he has to allow Muhammad Ali to be himself & go off. That's what a good interviewer does. I'd never seen this clip before but it's beautiful. Two legends…”

Remembering the exchanges, another posted: “Two of the greatest ever #Ali #Parkinson. Grew up watching Parkinson - he set the standard to which everyone else is measured, but none have gone close to matching him #legend  #goat.”

Someone else wrote: “My dad, a big boxing fan, let me stay up late as a nine-year-old to watch Parky interview Ali. Felt like an invitation to adulthood, a promise of conversations to come.”

One X user wrote: "Vale Michael Parkinson, the greatest interviewer of our time. His chats with Muhammad Ali will remain iconic."

Muhammad Ali died in 2016. 

A statement from Michael Parkinson’s family confirmed the news of his death today (17th August), saying: “After a brief illness, Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.”