Sir Michael Parkinson has opened up on the final time he met Muhammad Ali in an emotional interview.
The legendary chat show host interviewed the champion boxer - who died aged 74 in June this year - on four separate occasions, starting in 1971.
And he has now confessed Ali seemed so much more "feeble" in their final chat in 1981 than the previous few meetings and he knew it would be their last.
Speaking to Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes on This Morning, Michael said: "The last interview I did with him was different.
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ITV)
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"It was sad because, for the first time, it was like looking at an iceberg that was melting.
"His voice had dulled, his words slurred, and I knew I wouldn't see him again - not in the ring certainly."
Michael went on to blame the people who looked after Ali for his deterioration.
He said: "His management have a lot to answer for.
"When he walked into the studio, he wasn't fit to go in the ring. I could've beaten him, he was so feeble!"
Michael went on to confess he didn't like Ali when he first met the boxer.
He explained: "He was impossible to like, very dictatorial, and had a big presence.
"But later on, he became more vulnerable, he mellowed and I liked him an awful lot.
"He had a wonderful sense of humour and was a good man."
* This Morning continues on ITV1 weekdays at 10.30am
