Ali had entered into a verbal altercation with a couple of customers at the Shamrock Tavern. One of them suggested that Ali go back to Chinatown. Ali laughed and said,
Sir, this is the United States of America. I don't know who you are that you think you can tell me to leave this fine establishment. I thought I could go anywhere that I pleased.
His words did not sit well with the patrons of the bar. One of them made a racial slur which Ali heard. He approached the man and asked if he'd like to say that again. When the man indeed noted that Ali was a chink, Ali spoke up:
Sir, you are a rude, ignorant man with little class. I believe it is time for someone to put you in your place and educate you about different cultures.
At that, Ali punched the man quickly in the nose, immediately sprouting blood. Two of his friends jumped up, but Ali neutralized them soon with a series of karate kicks and punches. Other patrons sitting around the bar were astonished at the portly man's skill.
Unfortunately for Lee at that time, Capt. Lucky Sullivan and two of his burly officers entered the bar. Sullivan said,
Young man, I would like you to walk over here and come with me. You are under arrest for causing a public disturbance. I must caution you that if you do not comply, my men and I will be forced to use aggressive tactics.
At the same time he was talking, Capt. Sullivan tapped a wooden Billy club on his right knee. Ali said,
I'm getting tired of you Americans pushing us Asian people around. You're all racist, parochial, and politically motivated. Before returning to China, I will lay out a few Boston policemen.
These were not wise words for the man from mainland China to speak.