LOUISVILLE, Ky.
The day before his basketball team’s biggest game of the season, Villanova coach Jay Wright spoke passionately about boxing.
Given the choice between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali – or any famous, old fighter, really – he would pick Frazier without hesitation.
“In Philly, Smokin’ Joe is the man,” Wright said. “The underdog, the fighter, the Rocky. We love Smokin’ Joe.”
A fitting comment, considering Saturday’s Elite Eight matchup between No. 1-seed Kansas and No. 2-seed Villanova may turn out to be the basketball equivalent of a heavyweight brawl.
Few games can offer the perfect storm of talent, coaching, tradition and sizzling-hot play that the Jayhawks and Wildcats will provide.