Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was a worldwide boxing phenomenon who claimed he had the ability to, "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" (Schwartz). Ali faced many hardships throughout his career, but eventually prevailed as one of the greatest World Heavyweight Champions of all time.
Cassius Marcellus Clay was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. Cassius was introduced to boxing at age twelve when his bike was stolen at The Louisville Home Show. The angry Cassius reported the crime to a policeman named Joe Martin, who taught young boys how to box. From that moment on Officer Martin led the young Cassius toward boxing (DeeCee).
As a young boy growing up in Kentucky, Cassius was very successful in his boxing. He became very involved and dedicated to the sport. He fought in over 108 amateur bouts, winning six Kentucky Golden Gloves Championships, two National Golden Gloves Tournaments, and two National AAU titles. In 1960, Cassius was chosen to compete in the Rome Olympics. He was afraid to travel by air but eventually gave in. He returned to the United States with a gold medal. This was the turning point in his career, and at age eighteen Cassius decided to turn pro (DeeCee).
Clay was very successful in making a name for himself, defeating everyone he came in contact with. He also began predicting the round in which he would win.
This is something that no boxer had ever done in the history of the sport (Sheed 250-255).
In 1964, Clay was to face the World Champion, Sonny Liston. He taunted Liston and predicted he would prevail in the eighth round. Liston was
amazed at Clay's quickness and soon became frustrated. He threw in the towel and refused to return for the eighth round. Clay was the new World Heavyweight Champion (Sheed 252). Two days later, Clay announced he had joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Clay said Muhammad Ali meant "worthy of...
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