Biography: Muhammad Ali

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Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. also known as Muhammad Ali is a famous and a very talented boxer. He was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. Cassius, named after his father, grew up in a good home. He had both parents and was the older of two brothers. His father painted billboard and signs for a living while his mother was a stay at home mom. He was first gained interest in boxing by Louisville police officer and boxing coach Joe E. Martin, who meet the 12-year-old over a thief taking his bicycle. He explained to the officer that he was going to "whup" the thief. The officer suggested that he learn how to box first. Chuck Bodak had trained Cassius for the last four years of his amateur career. He came out with amazing talent starting off. Cassius won six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, two national Golden Gloves titles, an Amateur Athletic Union National Title, and the Light Heavyweight gold medal. Cassius's amateur record was 100 wins with five losses. This was an outstanding record for someone that young. Cassius made his professional debut on October 29, 1960 by winning a six-round decision over Tunney Hunsaker. Cassius held a record of 19–0 with 15 wins by knockout. He defeated boxers including George Logan, Jim Robinson, Willi Besmanoff , Alonzo Johnson, Tony Esperti, Donnie Fleeman, Lamar Clark, Doug Jones and Henry Cooper. Cassius also beat his own trainer and veteran boxer Archie Moore. Unlike most boxers, Cassius had a big mouth in the ring. He talked a lot of trash and bragged about himself. This is when Cassius started to realize that he becoming big. Cassius was one of the top contenders for Sonny Liston’s heavyweight title. The fight was on February 25, 1964, in Miami. Liston had an intimidating personality,... ... middle of paper ... ...et destroyed. He was getting weaker and weaker every fight. In February 1978, Ali faced Leon Spinks in Las Vegas. He lost the title by unanimous decision. A rematch took place in New Orleans, which broke audience records. Ali won a unanimous decision, making him the first heavyweight champion to win the belt three times. On July 27, 1979, Ali had announced that he was retiring. One of the last fights Ali had fought was against Larry Homes which he had lost in 11th round which was the only fight Ali had lost by knockout. Ali’s last fight was against Trevor Berbick, which he lost in a ten-round decision. Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome in 1984. Ali currently lives in Jefferson County, Kentucky with his fourth wife. One of the greatest boxers known Mohammad Ali has inspired many kids to follow their dreams and be who they want to be no matter what it takes.

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