UK Boxing Coach Shares Special Moment with Muhammad Ali

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) UK Boxing Coach & Founder of the “Lexington Legends Boxing Club” says Sarge Farris spends his days teaching others about the great sport of boxing. And he learned from watching the greatest.

He says, “I let everyone know as I was boxing that I’m from Louisville, you know. And they knew the greatest heavy-weight of all time came from Louisville, so it kind of resonated.”

Nearly forty years ago while stationed in Honolulu Sarge fought for the “Hawaii All Stars.” At age 19 he came face to face with one of Muhammad Ali’s teammates fighting on Ali’s Santa Monica boxing team.

“He recruited some of the best amateurs in the country at that time and so I was called to compete to one of his 147 pounders.”

Sarge came out on top, but the win wasn’t what he remembered most.

“I kind of strolled against the ring chanting Louisville, Louisville, Louisville, knowing that he was from Louisville, Kentucky and I looked at him.”

Ali waved back. It was a small gesture but for Sarge a priceless moment

“He just rose his hand in the air and just acknowledged that he was from Louisville, he understands.”

Admirers say how Ali performed while inside the ring is just as important as what he did for the sport outside.

“He exuberated confidence and one of his famous quotes was that will would always overcome skill.”

Wise words from an icon that continues to inspire young boxers today.

Sarge’s student six-year-old Tolly Carter says, “He got nice style. He do one-twos, great one-twos.”