The Greatest
Who was Muhammad Ali?
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, JR. was a professional boxer, activist, entertainer, and philanthropist. He is widely ranged as one of the most significant and celebrated figures of the 20th century, and one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Ali was first introduced to boxing at the age of 12 by Louisville police officer and boxing coach, Joe E. Martin. As stated by Biography, Ali reported his stolen bike to Martin, and told him he wanted to “whup” the thief. Martin offered to teach him how to box and for six years guided his career. Ali made his amateur boxing debut, against local amateur boxer, Ronnie O’Keefe, in 1954. Six years later he won a spot on the United States Olympic boxing team and traveled to Italy to compete. He went on to win six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, two national Golden Gloves titles, an Amateur Athletic Union national title, and the lightweight gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics. Ali’s amateur record was 100 wins and five losses.
On October 29th, 1960, Ali made his professional debut, winning a six-round decision against, Tunney Hunsaker. He went on to accumulate a record of 9-10, with 15 wins by knock-out.
On February 25th,1964, Ali received his first title shot against reigning heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston. According to Wikipedia, Ali promised to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”, predicting a knock-out. After Liston failed to answer the bell at the start of the seventh round, Ali was crowned heavyweight champion of the world. He solidified his hold on the heavyweight championship, knocking Liston out in the first round of their rematch, and defending his title eight more times.
On April 28th,1967, Ali showed up for his scheduled induction into the United States Armed forces, however due to his religious beliefs, he refused to serve. Ali was arrested, and the New York State Athletic Commission immediately suspended his boxing license and revoked his heavyweight belt. He was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to maximum of five years in prison and fined $10,000, but remained free while the conviction was appealed. He was banned from boxing for three years and used that time to speak out against Vietnam War on college campuses. In 1970 the New York State Supreme Court ordered his boxing license reinstated, and the following year the United States Supreme Court overturned his conviction in a unanimous decision.
On October 26, 1970, after forty-three months, Ali returned to the ring, knocking out Jerry Quarry in the third round. The following year he got his chance to regain his heavyweight crown against reigning champ, Joe Frazier. He lost in a unanimous decision, experiencing his first defeat as a pro. He went on to win his next 10 bouts (physical competitions) before being defeated by Ken Norton. Six months later he won the rematch and gained further revenge in a unanimous decision over Frazier in a non-title rematch. Ali’s victory gave him a title shot against champion, George Foreman. He won in an eight-round knock-out, regaining the title that was stripped from him years ago. He successfully defended his title in 10 fights, until losing to, Leon Spinks. Seven months later, Ali defeated Spinks in a unanimous, 15 round decision. He reclaimed the heavyweight crown and became the first fighter to win the world heavyweight boxing title three times.
At 39 years old, Ali officially retired, with a career record of 56 wins, 5 losses and 37 knockouts.
In 1984, Muhammed Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome. Although his motor skills declined, and his movement and speech were limited, Ali remained in the public spotlight. He traveled the world to make humanitarian, good-will and charitable appearances. He also had the honor of lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics.
On June 2nd,2016 Muhammad Ali was hospitalized with a respiratory illness, and the following day, at the age of 74, he passed away from septic shock.
Books
*Kids*
Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born | Gene Barretta
Who Was Muhammad Ali? | James Buckley
The Champ | Tonya Bolden
Twelve Rounds to Glory | Charles R. Smith, Jr.
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali | Walter Dean Myers
The Story of Muhammad Ali | Leslie Garrett
Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times | Thomas Hauser
*Adults*
Becoming Muhammad Ali | James Patterson & Kwame Alexander
At Home with Muhammad Ali: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Forgiveness | Hana Ali
Muhammad Ali: The Greatest | Matt Doeden
Movie(s) | Film(s) | Documentaries'
I Am Ali | 2014
The Greatest|1977
What’s My Name | Muhammad Ali | 2019
Muhammad Ali, the Greatest | 1969
When We Were Kings | 1996
Facing Ali | 2009
Source(s)
"Muhammad Ali." Biography, 21 January 2021, https://www.biography.com/athlete/muhammad-ali
"Muhammad Ali." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 June 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali
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THE GREATESTTTT 😍😍