Muhammad Ali: before the exile—the greatest ever? Here the late, great George Chuvalo gives me his assessment of Muhammad Ali before and after the exile. Could anyone have beaten Ali then? @AlBernstein @Tom_Gray_Boxing

On this day, Oct 10th, 1966, The Beach Boys released the magical and psychedelic pop single Good Vibrations. I could talk about Brian Wilson’s madness and genius. I could tell you there is really no other song that songs quite like it. But what’s the point? Just listen to it.

On October 7th, 1977, Queen released their mega-sports anthem: We Are The Champions. Written by the brilliant Freddie Mercury, the song never went to #1 (#2 in the UK, 3 in Canada and #4 in the US)—but lives on and on and on... petemccormack.com

On October 1st, 1975, Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali and Smokin’ Joe Frazier battled in the Thrilla in Manila, a fight that Muhammad called “the closest thing to dyin’ that I know of.” It was 105 degrees in Manila—hotter on the canvas. I've spoken to a few legends about it.

Fifty years ago, Ken Norton fought Muhammad Ali in Yankee Stadium and lost a highly controversial decision. Big George Foreman, who loved Ali, told me he didn't think Ali ever beat Norton. Fifty years later, what do you think? @Tom_Gray_Boxing @AlBernstein

On this day—October 5th, 2001—Barry Bonds hit his 71st home run, breaking Mark McGwire’s record set three years earlier. It’s pretty damn clear PEDs added punch. Neither player is in the hall of fame. I got great interviews for this film, bringing up hypocrisies. Thoughts?

People still debate whether the great Eddie Futch should've stopped the fight b/c Muhammad might not have come out for the 15th. No. Dundee sent Ali out blind in round 5 against Liston. Ali would've been there.

Talking to Joe in 2008 in his famous gym (as it was being repossessed), he said he didn’t want the fight stopped but “…I can walk, I can talk, I can have a good time.”

Dubbed by Ali the “Thrilla in Manila,” it was Ali and Frazier’s third and final fight in a bitter rivalry that is often touted the greatest in boxing history. Ali was three fights past the mythical Rumble in the Jungle. Joe was trying to prove he wasn’t washed up.

Just to be clear on what type of athlete Gordie Howe was, he hardly ever lifted weights and never took steroids. I think they call this "farm strong."

If Steven Spielberg directed Happy Days (1977) petemccormack.com @Super70sSports @DBolelli @PaulyMcGillion @dopudmike

The truth, is, EVERY TIME a boxer goes into the ring, he risks losing something other than the fight. The question is how much will he or she lose? Boxing is compelling as hell—but it's brutal sport.

What a childhood Earnie had. The Shavers were forced out of Alabama by the KKK when Earnie was five. But Earnie said going north made their life better “by a thousand percent.” No kidding!