When it comes to sports, it seems like such a long time ago when the world was only concerned about who was going to fight for the Heavyweight Championship of the World. During that time the Champ held a lot of prestige. When it comes to boxing, we have been graced with some great Champions. Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, Jack Dempsey, Joe Lewis and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield just to name a few. But you simply cannot talk about the greats without mentioning The Greatest of All Time – Muhammad Ali!
Muhammad Ali: The Legendary Journey
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. Ali was an Icon and a legend in the boxing world. Furthermore, with his outstanding career, along with his stance against the draft during the war in Vietnam and his fight with Parkinson’s, Ali was well respected across the Globe. But it was his remarkable skills and blinding speed inside the ring that made him The Greatest of All Time.
On October 29, 1960 at the age of 18, Ali made his professional debut defeating Tunney Hunsaker in a 6 round unanimous decision. Ali went on to finish his career with a record of 56 wins and 5 defeats with 37 of those wins coming by way of knockout. In addition to fighting during the most competitive times in the history of the sport, he was the first to ever become a three-time Heavyweight World Champion.
Float Like A Butterfly Sting Like a Bee
Muhammad Ali (Clay at the time) started boxing when he was 12 years old. He was inspired to learn how to fight when his bicycle was stolen. He meet a man by the name of Joe Martin after walking into a local gym. Martin later became Ali’s trainer and the rest is History.
Ali quickly rose to the top of his game. In 1960 at the Summer Olympics in Rome, Ali displayed his talents to the World bringing home the Gold. With the ability to “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” he took his professional boxing career on a historic journey.
Muhammad Ali took on the fierce Sony Liston at the age of 22, for the Heavyweight Championship of the World. Ali was a 8-1 underdog and some believed he would not stand a chance. In 1964, Ali shocked the World by claiming the Championship when Liston refused to answer the bell to start the seventh round. This stunning victory was the beginning of his reign as The Greatest.
Trials and Redemption
“It is not whether you get knocked down, it is whether you get up” – Vince Lombardi
Ali was eventually stripped of his title. In 1967, Ali refused induction into the U.S. Armed forces. Due to his principles, Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War. He was convicted and arrested for draft evasion. Furthermore, he was suspended from boxing for four years. Refusing the draft and risking all he worked so hard for, many people recognized him as a symbol of conviction and courage.
In 1971, the suspension was over and the ban lifted. Ali went on to fight in what was called the “Fight of the Century.” Facing Heavyweight Champ Joe Frazier, both fighters were undefeated entering this epic thriller. It was a hard fought battle. However, Frazier landed a vicious left hook in the 15th round, flooring the ex-champ. Ali quickly returned to his feet, however he was unable to regain the championship, suffering his first loss in a fifteen round decision.
Ali stunned the world once again, defeating George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle” back in 1974. Coming into the fight, Ali was a 4-1 underdog and many thought he would be seriously hurt. Ali rose to the occasion and reclaimed the title, knocking Foreman out in the eighth round and once again, becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the World.
The Final Round
Ali’s legendary fights are still some of the most memorable moments in the history of boxing. Although Muhammad Ali was a legend inside the ring, his legacy went far beyond that. He advocated for peace, fought for racial equality as well as spoke out against oppression. His words and actions had a way of resignating with people everywhere. Ali represented resilience, courage and the power of standing up for what you believe in. He gave people hope. He was a true inspiration.
Ali’s career did have its effects on him. In the early 1980s, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The disease eventually took its toll, as a result impairing his speech as well as his motor functions. He still continued to partake in various humanitarian causes.
As a professional fighter and activist, Muhammad Ali, nicknamed “The Greatest”, passed away June 3rd, 2016 at the age of 74. Muhammad Ali died of sepsis which is a common fate in many with Parkinson Disease.
Regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century, Ali had an impact on Boxing and on the world that cannot be denied. One of my most memorable moments was watching Ali light the Olympic Torch during the opening ceremony at the Atlanta games in 1996. Watching Ali standing there, his hands shaking uncontrollably and lighting the torch was truly magical.