“Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee!”
That was Muhammad Ali’s strategy in boxing. He was considered “The Greatest” boxer as he fought his way between 1960 and 1981 to become the only three-time world heavyweight world champion in boxing, a feat unmatched even today. He died this week at the age of 74 after an illness. Curious about his story? Here is a peek!
It all started with a bike… When he was 12 years old a thief stole Mohammad Ali’s bike, leaving him fuming and angry. A policeman told him that if he intended to fight the thief, Ali should learn to box first.
A fighter by any other name? Mohammad Ali was not his real name — he was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. He changed his name to Mohammad Ali because he considered his real name to be a slave name.
“I am the greatest! I shook up the world. I’m the prettiest thing that ever lived.” Ali shouted when he won a legendary fight with reining champion Liston. Well, nobody ever said he was humble! He sure had good reason to be proud. He won an Olympic Gold in 1960 and went on to build a record-breaking career in professional boxing.
Against War. In March 1966, Ali refused to join the armed forces and fight in the Vietnam War, a decision that got him arrested and denied a license to box for three years.
“A fighter inside and outside the ring.” That was how Mohammad Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali described him. A boxer herself, she said he spoke for people who “couldn’t speak for themselves”. Mohammad Ali often used his stardom to bring light to racial injustice and the challenges faced by African Americans.
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