The time Muhammad Ali visited Tesco in Manchester and police had to shut it down
manchestereveningnews.co.ukWe’re not used to seeing heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali backed into a corner, but when "The Greatest" visited a supermarket in Manchester, that’s exactly what happened.
In October 1971, the American boxer toured all over the UK to promote the milk flavouring powder Ovaltine. Locations included Hertfordshire, Birmingham, Norwich and right here in Manchester.
During the trip, Ali headed to the Tesco store at Stretford Mall - then known as Stretford Arndale Shopping Centre. The plan was for him to sign tins of Ovaltine purchased by customers. READ MORE: Inside eerie abandoned Greater Manchester church left decaying for decades 'Happy times' at lost Manchester restaurant 'loved' for its 'special 1p deal' The event took place seven months after the "Fight of the Century" between Ali and Joe Frazier which led to Ali’s first professional defeat.
During an interview with Granada Reports at the Stretford Mall event, Ali told Bob Greaves: "I'm not here just because I got to have the money.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
