Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was one of the most iconic and influential figures in the world of sports and beyond. Here are some fascinating facts about him:
- Early Life: Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. He began boxing at the age of 12, under the guidance of a Louisville police officer who mentored young boxers.
- Olympic Gold Medalist: Ali rose to prominence as an amateur boxer and won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He was only 18 years old at the time.
- Conversion to Islam: After winning the world heavyweight championship in 1964, Ali announced that he had converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. He became a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam and later embraced Sunni Islam.
- Ali vs. Liston: Ali’s first heavyweight championship victory came in 1964 when he defeated Sonny Liston in a highly anticipated bout. Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, famously predicted he would “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and knocked out Liston in the seventh round.
- Social Activism: Ali was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He famously refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. As a result, he was stripped of his boxing titles and faced a five-year ban from the sport.
- Rivalry with Joe Frazier: Ali’s rivalry with fellow heavyweight champion Joe Frazier captivated the world. Their three epic fights, including the “Fight of the Century” in 1971, the “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975, and the “Rumble in the Jungle” with George Foreman in 1974, are legendary in boxing history.
- Ali’s Philosophy: Ali was known for his colourful personality, quick wit, and poetic trash-talking. He coined phrases such as “I am the greatest” and “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” which became iconic catchphrases.
- Parkinson’s Disease: In the later years of his life, Ali battled Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that gradually affected his motor functions and speech. Despite his illness, he remained active in public life and continued to be an inspiration to millions around the world.
- Olympic Torchbearer: In 1996, Ali, despite his Parkinson’s disease, lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a poignant and memorable moment that symbolized his enduring spirit and legacy.
- Honours and Awards: Ali received numerous honours and awards throughout his life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honour, in 2005. He was also named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Century in 1999.
- The Greatest: Ali is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Known for his lightning-fast footwork, powerful punches, and innovative defensive techniques, he mesmerized audiences with his boxing prowess and charisma inside and outside the ring.
- Legacy: Muhammad Ali’s legacy extends far beyond the boxing ring. He transcended sports to become a global symbol of courage, resilience, and social change. His impact on society, both inside and outside the ring, is immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as “The Greatest.”