Let’s Talk About The Heavyweight Champ

A man by the name of Cassius Clay was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. Having started boxing at the young age of 12, he quickly rose through the amateur ranks. It was at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome that he won the gold medal in the light heavyweight division.

Now let’s talk about the heavyweight champ….

In 1964, Cassius Clay, who had converted to Islam and decided to change his name to Muhammad Ali, shocked the boxing world when he defeated Sonny Liston to become the world heavyweight champion at the age of 22. Ali’s quick wit and charismatic personality, matched with his incredible boxing ability, quickly made him a beloved figure around the world.

However, Ali quickly became a controversial figure in the United States because of his outspokenness on issues such as race and religion. Then in 1967, Ali refused to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. As a result, he was stripped of his boxing titles and banned from boxing for three years. Despite this setback, Ali continued to be an advocate for civil rights and social justice during his time away from the ring. He eventually returned to boxing in 1970 and went on to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, winning some of the most iconic fights in boxing history.

Ali’s boxing career ended in 1981, but his legacy as a cultural icon and champion of social justice continued. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, which he attributed to the many blows he received during his boxing career. Despite his declining health, Ali continued to be an inspiration to millions of people around the world until his death in 2016.

Ali’s dedication to his principles and his unwavering commitment to social justice have made him one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire people to fight for what they believe in and to use their platform to make a positive impact on the world.

Five well-remembered Ali quotes:

1. "Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. You can't hit what your eyes don't see."

2. "A man who has no imagination has no wings."

3. "Don't count the days. Make the days count."

4."I don't count the sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count. That's what makes you a champion."

5. "I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was. I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I was really the greatest."

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Thanks

Tom Boleware