‘He’s Not in Any Danger’: Before Being Formally Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease, Muhammad Ali’s Doctor Blamed ‘Viral Infection or Heavy-Metal Toxicity’ for Late Legend’s Deteriorating Health

Muhammad Ali was uncontrollably trembling as he accepted the flame to start off the 1996 Atlanta Olympics at the Centennial Olympic Stadium, Atlanta. Having received the fire, Ali raised his right arm. His face hardly bore an expression as he stood and greeted the present crowd. Ali took a pause for a few seconds and decided to raise his arm one more time. Trembling all over, he finally commenced the tournament.

This was one of the early stages of Parkinson’s disease that Ali displayed after he was formally diagnosed with the disease. However, this was not the first time that Ali had shown signs. In 1984, Ali’s doctor Martin Ecker stated, “I know for a fact that he does not have Parkinson’s disease. He’s not in any danger.” 

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Despite such a strong statement full of conviction made by Martin, the picture soon changed. Prior to the official and devastating discovery, Ecker had even talked about, “a past viral infection or heavy-metal toxicity” that could have explained Ali’s ailing health at the time.

The glorious boxing career of Muhammad Ali

Ali’s professional career lasted for over two decades in the ring. He made his debut in the year 1960 and retired in 1981. His first fight was against Tunney Hunsaker with whom he went the entire distance of the scheduled six rounds. Ali won his first fight via a unanimous decision. ‘The Greatest’ went on undefeated till 1971 when he met Joe Frazier. Before squaring off with Frazier, Ali faced and beat the likes of Zora Folley, Cleveland Williams, Floyd Patterson, and Sonny Liston.

He avenged his loss against Frazier in 1974. In his entire pro career, Ali was beaten only five times. His record comprises 56 wins, 5 losses, and 0 draws. According to the daughter of Muhammad Ali, Mayrum Ali, it was after the rematch with Spinks that Ali showed signs of Parkinson’s disease.

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