ALI PROVIDING PUNCH FOR A HATCH RUN IN '96

Muhammad Ali wants Sen. Orrin Hatch to run for president in 1996. And he said he would vote for him this year for president if he could.

Ali's not kidding, although the former heavyweight boxing champion of the world did a bit of that Wednesday night at a reception for the Utah delegation and friends in the Marriott Hotel.Ali had buttons made that said "Bush in 1988 - Hatch in 1996." Ali also wore an Orrin Hatch re-election button and an "I love Utah" button.

The reception was a highlight for the delegation. Hundreds packed the room, and Ali and Hatch had their pictures taken with the delegates for half an hour.

In an interview with the Deseret News after the reception, Ali said he wants to see Hatch run for president "very, very much."

"I want to tell black people that Republicanism doesn't equate to racism. When Orrin Hatch speaks, he speaks for all Americans, for truth and justice. I believe that with all my heart."

Hatch is "bright, pretty, articulate and a leader," Ali said. "I'll do anything for him. I'm coming to Salt Lake City (to campaign for Hatch) because I asked to. I invited myself to come and help him in his election."

Before the big fights of his career, Ali always made predictions on their outcomes. More often than not, he was right.

"I predict Orrin Hatch will be president before the year 2000," Ali said.

Ali arrived a bit late to the reception. Aides to Hatch said Vice President George Bush's campaign officials found out about Ali's visit to the convention and wanted to get in the picture. They picked Ali up at the airport and talked to him for some time, asking him to endorse Bush.

Asked if he came to the convention to support Bush, Ali said softly, "That's why I'm here."

Ali told the Deseret News, "I support Bush because Orrin Hatch explained to me how important it is for George Bush to become the leader of the free world. But I'd vote for Hatch if I could."

Ali's wife, Lonnie, said the champ admires the style of Bush and Hatch, and endorsed Ronald Reagan in the past. "He isn't really a Republican. He just supports people when he likes their style, and he loves the style of Sen. Hatch."

Ali said little at the reception. When he did, he spoke so softly that those nearby had to lean next to his face to hear him. Those a step away couldn't hear at all.