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Muhammad Ali He floats like a butterfly, and stings like a bee. He is also the most popular man to ever step into a boxing ring. He is a man who really needs no introduction -- Muhammad Ali. Born Cassius Clay on January 18, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali started boxing at the age of 12. His bicycle was stolen at a local fair, and the police officer Cassius reported the incident to also supervised boxing sessions at a community recreation center. He invited Ali to join, and the rest is sports history. Police Officer Joe Elsby Martin remembers Clay as "a little smart aleck. I mean, he's always been sassy." That reputation would follow him around for the remainder of his boxing career. Known for his overly exuberant personality, Clay would later proclaim himself to be "the Greatest." The description ran true, especially when it came to boxing. As an amateur, Cassius Clay won 100 of 108 fights, and gained possession of six Kentucky Golden Gloves championships before heading to the Olympics in 1960. There, he won the light heavyweight title. Later on that year, Clay decided to turn pro. He won his first professional boxing match on October 29, 1960 by defeating Tunney Hunsaker in six rounds. That victory was followed by countless others. In 1964, Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston, and became the heavyweight champion of the world. Soon after his victory over Liston, Clay announced that he was joining the Nation of Islam, and was changing his name to Muhammad Ali. Ali's bad publicity escalated when, in 1967, he refused to be drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. This decision led to Ali being stripped of his heavyweight title, as well as being found guilty in a federal court of violating the Selective Service Act. Ali made a living during that time by lecturing on college campuses and at peace rallies. He also starred briefly in a Broadway musical, "Buck White." Although barred from the sport he loved so dearly, Ali remained highly respected throughout the world. Seen as a hero who battled injustice, Ali's popularity did not seem to suffer during a time which could have proven detrimental to his career. His conviction was reversed by the United States Supreme Court in 1970, and Ali returned to the boxing ring that same year. After a string of victories, he regained his title in 1974 by knocking out George Foreman in the eighth round. Ali has not limited his successes to the boxing ring. He has dabbled in film acting, receiving solid reviews for his work in "The Greatest," the movie adaptation of his autobiography. He has traveled the world promoting peace and unity, and has donated huge portions of his boxing revenue to charity. In 1986, Muhammad Ali was presented with an Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his achievements not only in the sporting world, but also in life. All contents of pages and images Copyright © 2003, Hosted and maintained by Inter Media Post |
