By: Larry A. Rose, DDS, MS
This blog was planned to have been written around the time of the date of Muhammad Ali’s birthday, January 17. Readers who know me, Houston orthodontist Dr. Larry A. Rose, and those who read my blog are aware I was Muhammad Ali’s Ringside Dentist for over 10 years. Our friendship continues long after Muhammad’s last ring appearance. Traveling with Muhammad and being on the “inside” with the “Greatest of All Time” gave me a very unique perspective of the world and exposure to a wide variety of people. At the time, I was too young to really comprehend the experience, and only over the last few years have I begun to reflect how being with Muhammad Ali and the “scene” impacted my life.
Muhammad and his Trainer, Angelo Dundee, taught me a great deal about life; and I learned even more from them by observation. Angelo and Muhammad did not give me formal instruction as what to do and not to do, I learned by watching, listening, and seeing results. Angelo did, however, give me specific instructions regarding the media, and that was to never verify a story. In the early stages of being with Muhammad, I was contacted by the media on many occasions to verify a rumor or story. Following Angelo’s advice, I NEVER did any verification, and it did not take long for the media to learn that “the Doc don’t talk” and the requests for verification stopped.
Muhammad Ali is the most recognized person on the planet. He has been courted by Kings, Heads of States, Presidents, despots and movers and shakers the world over. Yet, Muhammad never displayed rudeness towards others, and was willing to chat or honor a request for an autograph or hand shake; except after a fight. Following a ring appearance, the only person who could touch Muhammad’s hands was his masseuse Luis Sarria. When we were at a restaurant, Muhammad made a point of thanking the wait staff for serving us, and would go into the kitchen to thank the chef and his staff for taking care of us. Muhammad Ali never met a stranger, and his warmth towards others is genuine. That warmth extends to his children. If you have had the opportunity to meet them, you will experience the same warmth and kindness from his children as their Dad with no hint of a celebrity attitude.
Muhammad had a saying that resonates with me often, and that is “friends don’t keep score”. Think about that statement, and embrace it in your approach towards others and it will serve you well.
Muhammad was active on the lecture circuit, supporting himself when his right to box and earn a living were denied him due to politics in the late 60’s. One of the lectures I enjoyed the most was the one about the Wine of Success and the Wine of Failure. The point of the lecture was he who tastes the wine of success will know success and he who tastes the wine of failure will know only failure. So always seek the wine of success and avoid the temptation to taste the wine of failure. Simple words, but words to live by too.
The Muhammad Ali Center is located in downtown Louisville, KY. The City of Louisville donated the land, and the Muhammad Ali Center, a non-profit organization, raised $82 million dollars for the building and exhibitry. The Muhammad Ali Center is a beautiful structure, filled with information about Muhammad, but also designed to show how Muhammad’s life impacted politics that shaped America from 1960 forward. On any given day, there are groups of school children touring the facility learning history and viewing films that show life in other countries. As families plan their summer vacations, the Muhammad Ali Center could be considered as a place to tour. It will be a very worthwhile experience.
