Biography of Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali is the "Quintessential American." In his stand for religious and racial freedom, for his humility, generosity, braggadocio, deep and abiding physical and mental courage, though always larger than life -- Ali exhibited many typical and deep-rooted American traits. He struck a number of positively resonant notes in the American psyche, that make him now a revered person (Walter). Muhammad Ali is a widely known person, not only for being one of the all-time greatest fighters in history, but also for being one of the most prominent and influential persons of the twentieth century. Muhammad Ali was not always called by that name, born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville Kentucky, named after his father, Cassius Clay. Twelve year old Cassius was turned on to boxing after his brand-new bike was stolen at an annual Black bazaar called The Louisville Home Show; Joe Martin, a policeman who taught young boys how to box, was in the basement of that event. Cassius complained to him that he was going to beat the person who stole his bike and Officer Martin decided to push the frustrated youngster towards boxing. Six weeks later Cassius would win a three minute, three round split decision in his very first match (Ehrmann). Muhammad's had two very special things about him; his boxing skills and his ability to move and motivate people and the power to stand up for what he believed in. Cassius Clay fought Sonny Liston and won, becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion and two days later shocked the world again by announcing that he had joined the Nation of Islam, becoming Muhammad Ali. 1964 was a big year for Muhammad Ali, after becoming World Champ and changing his religion ... ... middle of paper ... ... for being one of the all-time greatest fighters in history, but also for being one of the most prominent and influential persons of the twentieth century. Bibliography: Works Cited Ehrmann, Johannes. "Muhammad Ali Page." 2000 http://www.float-like-a-butterfly.de/ 2 November 2000. The Courier Journal. "The Making of a Champ, Muhammad Ali." April 2000 http://www.courier-journal.com/ali/ 2 November 2000 Sports Placement Services. "Muhammad Ali, The Greatest." June 2000 http://www.sportsplacement.com/ali.htm 2 November 2000 Walter, John C. Muhammad Ali: The Quintesenntial American. 2000 http://www.americansc.org.uk/Forum/muhammad_ali.htm 2 November 2000 "Muhammad Ali: Former Heavyweight Champion of the World African 1986 Recipient." 1996 http://www.neco.org/awards/recipients/muhammadali.html 2 November 2000
“Float like a butterfly; sting like a bee ahhhh! Rumble, young man rumble ahhhh!” Those were the words echoed time and time again from Cassius Clay and his corner man David Brown. Better known as Muhammad Ali, he has a legacy of being the greatest fighter whoever lived.
Remnick does not shy away from discussing the shadowy history of the boxing world (no pun intended). It's well known boxing has been affiliated with the 'mob,' but perhaps what is lesser known is Clay's absolute refusal to be in any way associated with the Mafia.
leader. He won the hearts of people because he could relate to them and their
The documentary, “Unforgivable Blackness” directed by Ken Burns casts light on the extraordinary life story of legendary boxer Jack Johnson. The documentary is about the barriers Jack Johnson had to overcome to satisfy his hunger for becoming the best and living “The American Dream.” Johnson had humble beginnings in Galveston, Texas and it was in those beginnings that glimpses of his bright future were slowly but surely beginning to show. Through out his life, he showed independence, relentlessness, ability to improvise, call attention to himself and get around rules meaning to tie him down. Jack Johnson was a self made man who had the drive to go forward and achieve what he wanted to achieve through hard work, patience and all the skills he was blessed with.
On an October afternoon in 1954, a 12-year-old Clay attended an annual convention of the Louisville Service Club at the Columbia Auditorium with a friend. He arrived at the black merchant bazaar upon a new $60 red and white Schwinn. However, after Clay and his friend indulged themselves with free popcorn and ice cream they left the auditorium to find that their bicycles had been stolen. A tearful Clay was directed to the basement of the auditorium where a policeman was manning the boxing gym. Joe Martin listened to young Cassius boast about a statewide hunt for his precious bike and heard the threats he was making to the thief if he was ever caught. After a while, Martin asked of Clay, "Well, do you know how to fight?" Clay quipped back, "No, but I'd fight anyway." Martin's best advice to the hot-tempered preteen was to come back around the gym and learn to fight. "Why don't you learn something about fighting," Martin suggested, "before you go and make any hasty challenges?" (2)
Muhammad Ali, arguably one of the greatest boxer of all time, not only fought in the ring but fought outside it as well. He inspired many African Americans to step up and fight for equality, but not only did he encourage African Americans, but he also encouraged white, whole Nations and the whole world. He went against mainstream America and was hated or loved for it. His contributions to the civil rights movement and defiance to unfair laws increase awareness in the United States. And still today he continues to promote peace and contribute to the
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.
When prominent boxers of the 20th century are discussed, many heavyweight champions are mentioned. Names like Floyd Patterson, Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier always find their way to the front of the conversation. But it is Muhammad Ali, a three-time heavyweight champion and political activist, who always seems to find the forefront of it all. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, Ali came into the ring after his bike was stolen at the age of twelve. He brought up his anger to Officer Joe Elsby Martin Sr. who suggested he start boxing. Ali quickly became a star after winning a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics. At 6’3”, Ali demonstrated extraordinary speed and accuracy and he quickly became a contender for the heavyweight title.
Muhammad Ali: The life of The Great One Muhammad Ali had a significant impact on American Society for not only his fighting styles, but also his values he exemplified outside of the ring. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Ali is light on his feet but explosive with his hit. Ali had a total of 61 fights and of those 61 fights 56 were wins, 37 were by Knock Out and he only had 5 losses. He returned to the ring in 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in October.
Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. later known as Muhammad Ali, was a black boxer, and was proud of it. Many African Americans were ashamed of their color, but Ali was different. He was the first boxer to win the Heavyweight Championship 3 different times. He had a great personality and was liked by the people. During his life, he made big decisions that changed the course of his life completely. Muhammad Ali's journey through life was a great inspiration for African American people, but Ali himself deserves the admiration of everyone.
Cassius Marcellus Clay was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942, during a time when Louisville was severely segregated. African-Americans were often considered the ‘servant’ class. The highest goal that many parents could realistically set for their children was clergymen or public school teacher. Cassius Clay’s father was a billboard painter and his mother worked cleaning houses. Being an African-American in poverty wasn’t easy; in fact, Clay was mistreated from birth. His mother recalls a specific incident in a convenience store when he was very young. “…He wanted a drink of water and they wouldn’t give him one because of his color. That really affected him.” Clay was eventually led into boxing as a way to deal with stress after having his bike stolen at the age of twelve. It was in the ring he would leave his legacy as an athlete, but out in the real world was where his fighting legacy would really leave a lasting impact. As an advocate for all people, Muhammad Ali was able to challeng...
Boxing fans now regard Muhammed Ali as a genuine artist of the sport and a legendary hero. Ali revitalized the sport and is known for more than just his boxing accomplishments. Muhammed Ali has changed forever what we expect a champion to be.
As a son of a sharecropper and grandson of a slave, Jesse Owens created History in 1936 when he achieved what no athlete had done before: four Olympic Gold Medals. (jesseowens.com). During this era, the United States had limited civil rights and was approaching a World War with Hitler rising into power in Germany. Although Owens was victorious on the track, because of the color of his skin, He was looked down upon and unrecognized by even his own country. Through the excessive racism, one may ask how Owens moved forward and dealt with such negativity in a situation that should have been celebrated.
He was fearless. He was powerful. His footwork was more beautiful than a ballet dancer. He is an Olympic Gold Medalist. He is the G.O.A.T of boxing. He is… Muhammad Ali. I will inform you about the biography of Muhammad Ali of how people saw him in real life, the Movie Ali how it portrayed Muhammad Ali based on his life through screen write, and the Vietnam War. Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest athletes in boxing history, but before there was the Greatest of All Time or the acronym G.O.A.T World Heavy Champion Muhammad Ali, he was just a little kid that went by the name Cassius Clay.
In November 6, 2014 I called a professor, who taught me seven years ago at Taibah University in my city, through his cell phone. I asked him if he would mind to make an interview with him regarding to his major. Luckily, he agreed to make the interview and he asked me to give him brief information about the interview. So I did and then we decided how could we make the interview. He asked to send him an email contains the questions that I need to know, and then we will meet through Skype to discuss those questions. On November 20, 2014 we finished the interview. In this paper will find my interview with my professor Dr. Mohammed Ali.