This chapter appears in “Going 15 Rounds With Jerry Izenberg,” which was released in paperback on December 31, 2020. There’s an additional chapter devoted to Izenberg’s memories of the legendary boxer.
By Ed Odeven
The bond between Jerry Izenberg and boxer Muhammad Ali extended beyond their jobs. It was truly unique, far beyond the typical relationships between journalists and pro athletes.
It’s 1974, and Izenberg is a recently divorced father. (At the time, Izenberg became the first father in New Jersey to be awarded sole custody of his children, he said.)
He also happened to be doing work in preparation for Ali’s fight in Kinshasa, Zaire, against then-world heavyweight champion George Foreman — The Rumble in the Jungle.
Izenberg’s children, Robert, 11, and Jenny, 8, had just come to live with him two days earlier, so his parental instincts are put to the test.
“I’m driving to Deer Lake (Pennsylvania)…
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Ed Odeven Reporting 