Bullcrap Chuck1052... Chamberlain had unreal stamina and played more minutes in than anyone else in the NBA in a season... He had to have massive stamina to dominate on both ends of the court and run up and down the court for 48 minutes while being the focal point of attention from the other team trying to block him off the boards and triple team him when he was shooting -- and all the while Wilt put up record breaking numbers.. He was a 2-time World Champion so his mental makeup was that of a winner.Chuck1052 wrote:Could Wilt Chamberlain fight or take a punch, let alone having the mental makeup or stamina needed to be successful in the boxing ring? We'll never know because he didn't have any previous boxing experience in the amateurs or the professional ranks. However, the odds are against Wilt having the many of the essential qualities to be successful in the ring. There have been plenty of athletes who excelled in other sports and didn't do well when taking up the sport of boxing. Moreover, I believe that Wilt knew very well that the odds were greatly against him if he fought Ali without any previous ring experience. Chuck Johnston
Chamberlain didn't wake up one day and decide he wanted to fight Ali. People told him for years he’d make an unbeatable boxer. He consulted with Boxing people, especially Cus D'Amato, who was the architect of Mike Tyson’s and Floyd Patterson’s runs to the Heavyweight Championship at ages 20 and 21.
Balance, footwork, and hand speed, are so central to both Basketball and Boxing that D’Amato was at first amazed at Wilt’s ability to pick up basic footwork and punching skills. He told Wilt that with his height, balance, footspeed, reach, range, vision, and punching power, learning to jab well, and use his massive hands, arms, and shoulders for defense are things he was picking up way faster than any other boxer he ever saw. “Ali has never fought anyone close to your dimensions or athletic ability.. When your right hand thunders in it will be lights out. Ali will be knocked out cold and you’ll be Heavyweight Champion.”
“All you have to do is bide your time, keep Ali busy with your left jab and hook, which might knock Ali out. An opening for your right is certain to come. You rip the right in like lightning and he doesn’t have great head movement. Ali pulls straight back from punches because he’s so tall and has the reach on everyone he fights. But you’re height and reach advantages have never been seen in Boxing. Every 7-footer I’ve looked at can’t walk and chew bubblegum at the same time. You’re like an extremely athletic 6-footer. I can’t wait to get started.”
He's not going to be your friend after that comment! 
