An almost forgotten incident that occurred on October 20, 1944, some 48 years ago. We were invited by a vendor to attend the “ALI VS FOREMAN” championship boxing match up that was fought in Zaire (AKA The Congo). This was known as “The Rumble in the Jungle”.  It was televised, set up on a big screen at the old Jefferson Country Armory on 5th and Walnut Streets. (AKA Muhammad Ali Boulevard). This Armory was later renamed to The Louisville Gardens.

We had good seats, and we were imbibing like everyone else on 20oz beers in large cups. Over the course of about 2 hours, we gulped down 3 of those 20oz beers. The boxing match held our attention to a high degree, and we neglected the call of nature, at least I did. Bill and the vendor did remember to heed the call of nature before it started.

I thought that I would have plenty of time later. The match was over in the 8th round and everybody filed out of the exits immediately and I could not seem to make my way to the men’s room because I was swept along with the crowd exiting people.

Needless to say, my bladder was stretched to the point of pain, which called for a quick solution. As soon as we went through the exit door, I saw a small building and proceeded to empty my bladder with Bill as a shield to others in the crowd. Fortunately, most were men. I couldn’t hold it any longer and I let it go with a force that flooded the area and it ran freely down the street. Passengers thought a water pipe had burst as one person iterated. However, Bill’s shoe got in the way and I think it took a year to dry out. (HA)

We made our way to the next watering hole and laugh about it even to this day. Desperate situations call for drastic action and believe me it was an emergency that prompted my response. Never again did I put myself into such a predicament and I think Bill’s shoe is still damp. The old gospel song “Shall We Gather At The River” became our theme song for this faux pas. This one’s on me…. Oops him!

John S Sutton Jr

Blog Entry #2