Biography of Muhammad Ali

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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

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