WMBD Muhammad Ali 1980 interview raw video

In the winter of 1980 Muhammad Ali was in Peoria to help Bob Wallace campaign for U. S. Senate.

WMBD's assignment manager, Thom Serafin was able to arrange a one and one interview with Mr. Ali which took place at the then Peoria International Airport. Bob Leak was the videographer.

Before this interview Mr. Ali took part in a boxing demonstration at the Peoria's Boy's Club. I was told that Mr. Ali was "more than generous" with his time. That any young person who wanted to get into the ring and spar or box with Mr. Ali was allowed to. And he put just as much energy with the last young person as with the first.

That meant he was severely tired when he arrived at PIA. You can see it in the interview.

Our main Saturday crew shot the Boy's Club video, which was the b-roll for the story. Thom and I shot the one on one, which is what this video is.........