Was this the greatest day in Basildon’s history? Pretty much!

These unearthed knockout photos from our archives show the day that the one and only Muhammad Ali sashayed into town back in July 1986.

The legendary boxing champ was here to support fellow heavyweight boxer (and his former sparring partner) Tim Witherspoon, who was using Basildon as a base to train for his upcoming bout against Frank Bruno – a match he would win and ultimately retain his world title. 

Echo: Not only did Ali spend hours chatting to children and fans while in Basildon, when he was asked if he would give a donation to St Luke’s Hospice he promptly wrote a cheque for £1,000Not only did Ali spend hours chatting to children and fans while in Basildon, when he was asked if he would give a donation to St Luke’s Hospice he promptly wrote a cheque for £1,000 (Image: Newsquest)

Witherspoon and his entourage set up base in the Crest Hotel, now the Holiday Inn at the Festival Leisure Park.

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Witherspoon’s stay had been negotiated by Basildon Council’s head of public relations Peter Lucas, who used his contacts to get in touch with boxing promoter Don King – the father of Larry King, Witherspoon’s manager.

Echo: Time for everyone - Ali was happy to chat to reporters during his visitTime for everyone - Ali was happy to chat to reporters during his visit (Image: Newsquest)

The group had initially planned to train in London, but decided the bright lights of the capital might be too much of a temptation for Witherspoon so Basildon was chosen to be the training HQ instead.

When Ali came down he spent time with Witherspoon but also took time out to meet the people of Basildon. He spent hours chatting to youngsters, signing autographs, and meeting locals. 

Echo: Long before the days of ‘selfies’, the boxing champ was besieged by autograph-hunters as he met fans in Basildon Long before the days of ‘selfies’, the boxing champ was besieged by autograph-hunters as he met fans in Basildon (Image: Newsquest)

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Check out our amazing photos of Ali in town and Witherspoon training on the streets of Basildon.

Echo: Ali was given a mighty welcome to BasildonAli was given a mighty welcome to Basildon (Image: Newsquest)

The images have come from our archives which have been reprinted by Peter Everingham, a volunteer at Rayleigh Town Museum.

Echo: Tim Witherspoon and his training team stop a Howard’s Dairies milk float while on an early morning run in Basildon Tim Witherspoon and his training team stop a Howard’s Dairies milk float while on an early morning run in Basildon (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: From the streets of Philadelphia to Basildon - Witherspoon, who was from Philadelphia, runs through town as part of his training regimeFrom the streets of Philadelphia to Basildon - Witherspoon, who was from Philadelphia, runs through town as part of his training regime (Image: Newsquest)