The two most famous personalities of the 20th century met for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 13, 1973. Elvis was at the Hilton performing his show, and Muhammad Ali was in town to fight Joe Bugner. Both were fans of each other, and met in Elvis’ suite the night before Ali’s fight. Elvis presented Muhammad with a $10,000 robe to wear into the ring. The robe said ‘People’s Choice’ on it, and was bedazzled in rhinestones and jewels, but was supposed to say ‘People’s Champ’ due to the creator of the robe making a mistake.
Ali was honored with the gift, proudly wore it into the ring, and won a twelve round unanimous decision the next evening. He would wear it one more time on March 31, 1973 in his upset loss to Ken Norton in San Diego. Both remained friends until Elvis’ early death in August of 1977.
Of Elvis Ali once said “I met everyone and nobody was a kinder and nicer person than Elvis Presley.” On February 13, 1973 the ‘Greatest’ in the ring met the “Greatest’ entertainer ever and, befittingly became the very best of friends.
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