Muhammad Ali was the first of his kind. He was loud talking, flamboyant, strong willed, and a difference maker. His impact in and out of the ring has changed people's lives, from how he stood up against the Supreme Court, to opening his own center for underprivileged kids. Ali allowed people to believe that they could make a difference for themselves. He expressed himself in a way athletes before him hadn't done, publicly changing his religion which allowed him to evade the Army draft for the Vietnam War. Muhammad Ali has spent his life making a difference for people in America, from how we see our athletes, to how we view their affect on our society.
Early Life of Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was a boxer, philanthropist and social activist who is universally regarded as on of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.
Muhammad Ali, the world's greatest boxing legend and sports icon, passed away on Friday 3rd June at the age of 74 years. He was born on 17th January, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali's birth name was Cassius Clay. He began to train as an amateur boxer when he was 12 and showed remarkable promise from the start. At the age of 12 years his bicycle was stolen, he was annoyed and wanted to sort the thief out. At that point a local police officer Joe Martin (1916-1996) encouraged him to take up boxing, to be better prepared, the rest is history! Martin, who was also a boxing trainer, suggested that the upset youngster first learn how to fight, and he took Clay under his wing. Six weeks later, Clay won his first bout in a split decision.
By age 18 Clay had captured two National Golden Gloves titles, two Amateur Athletic Union National titles and 100 stories against eight losses. After graduating high school, he traveled to Rome and won the light heavyweight Gold Medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Clay won his professional boxing debut on October 29, 1960, in a six-round, decision. From the start of his pro career, the 6-foot-3-inch heavyweight overwhelmed his opponents with a combination to quick, powerful jabs and foot speed, and his constant braggadocio and self-promotion earned him the nickname "Louisville Lip."
Muhammad Ali, the world's greatest boxing legend and sports icon, passed away on Friday 3rd June at the age of 74 years. He was born on 17th January, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali's birth name was Cassius Clay. He began to train as an amateur boxer when he was 12 and showed remarkable promise from the start. At the age of 12 years his bicycle was stolen, he was annoyed and wanted to sort the thief out. At that point a local police officer Joe Martin (1916-1996) encouraged him to take up boxing, to be better prepared, the rest is history! Martin, who was also a boxing trainer, suggested that the upset youngster first learn how to fight, and he took Clay under his wing. Six weeks later, Clay won his first bout in a split decision.
By age 18 Clay had captured two National Golden Gloves titles, two Amateur Athletic Union National titles and 100 stories against eight losses. After graduating high school, he traveled to Rome and won the light heavyweight Gold Medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Clay won his professional boxing debut on October 29, 1960, in a six-round, decision. From the start of his pro career, the 6-foot-3-inch heavyweight overwhelmed his opponents with a combination to quick, powerful jabs and foot speed, and his constant braggadocio and self-promotion earned him the nickname "Louisville Lip."
Muhammad Ali's Record
Muhammad Ali had a career record of 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts before his retirement from boxing 1981 at the age of 39.
After winning his first 19 fights, including 15 knockouts, Clay received his first title shot on February 25, 1964, against reigning heavyweight champion Sonny Liston (1932-1970). Although he arrived in Miami Beach, Florida, a 7-1 underdog, the 22 years old Clay relentlessly taunted Liston before the fight, promising to "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" and predicting a knockout. When Liston failed to answer the bell at the start of the seventh round, Clay was indeed crowned heavyweight champion of the world. In the ring after the fight, the new champ roared, "I am the greatest!"
After winning his first 19 fights, including 15 knockouts, Clay received his first title shot on February 25, 1964, against reigning heavyweight champion Sonny Liston (1932-1970). Although he arrived in Miami Beach, Florida, a 7-1 underdog, the 22 years old Clay relentlessly taunted Liston before the fight, promising to "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" and predicting a knockout. When Liston failed to answer the bell at the start of the seventh round, Clay was indeed crowned heavyweight champion of the world. In the ring after the fight, the new champ roared, "I am the greatest!"
"Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." -Muhammad Ali
Awards & Achievements
He was honored with a number of titles including, 'The Greatest', 'Fighter Of The Year', 'Sportsman Of The Year', 'Sportsman Of The Century' and 'Sports Personality Of The Century'.
Religion & Politics
In 1964 Cassius Clay Jr. joined the National Of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was also drafted into the military. Due to religious believes, Ali refused to serve in the military. The United States Department of Justice rejected Ali's request for conscientious objector status. In 1967 he was ordered to show up for induction in the military. Ali did not cooperate and was subsequently stripped of his boxing rights. After 3 1/2 years he was allowed to return to the ring.
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