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The “New Face of the League” series

Michael Jackson admired Muhammad Ali from a young age. He looked up to Ali as a symbol of strength, courage, and integrity—not just in sports, but as a man who stood firm on his principles, especially during the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. In interviews, Michael often cited Ali as a personal hero—not just for boxing, but for being unapologetically himself and standing for what he believed in.

Michael and Ali appeared on a couple of shows together in the 1970s. When Michael asked the legendary boxer what he planned to do after retirement, Ali responded: “If I’m ever out of the ring, and I find myself in a fix, I’ll join you guys, and we’ll become the Jackson 6.”

In 1977, the two traded jokes in a skit on The Jacksons TV show. Ali told Michael: “You got to float like a butterfly part down brother Michael, and you sing real sweet to complete the cycle, but before you can sting people out of their wits, you gotta put on some meat and keep on eating your grits.”