Gorgeous George who inspired Ali

 

When Muhammad Ali died on May 3, of this year

His death was mourned by millions, from sea to sea

Much less known was his connection with Gorgeous George, a wrestler

Whose outrageous conduct provided the model for Ali 

Gorgeous George was born George Raymond Wagner

But adopted Gorgeous George as his ring name

After an attendee at a match loudly proclaimed he was gorgeous

It was as Gorgeous George that he came to wrestling fame 

As George walked down the aisle to the ring in a sequined robe

His valet would spread rose petals at his feet

And then spray Chanel #10 as a disinfectant over the ring

As George entered for the actual meet 

George grew his hair long,

Like Marilyn Monroe, utilizing platinum blonde bleach

And inserted gold- plated bobby pins in it

Which he subsequently distributed to those within reach 

There is no doubt that George was an excellent wrestler

But it was his self -promotion that led to success that was enormous

By the 1950's George was in such demand

That he could get half the gate for his performance 

When Ali was nineteen, he met Gorgeous George, then 46

At a Las Vegas Radio Station, where George was promoting a wrestling bout

Ali certainly took notice of George's claim to be the greatest wrestler in the world

And later said "I am the greatest.", and usually predicted he would his fight in a rout 

If there is any insight to be gained

From the story of George and Ali

It's that sometimes some self-promotion

Is the best way to be