STORY OF A BOXING LEGEND
Muhammad Ali “The Greatest”
“I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” — Muhamad Ali
“For the heavyweight champion of the world, who had achieved the highest level of athletic celebrity, to put all of that on the line — He knew he was going to jail and did it anyway. That’s another level of leadership and sacrifice.” The Reverend Dr Martin Luther King. (Abbreviated.)
Muhammad “Ali” was a leading heavyweight boxing champion in the Twentieth century, fondly known as “The greatest.” The only three-time Heavyweight lineal champion, “the man who beat the man” still to this day.
To many, he still is “The Greatest.” “The peoples champion.”
His handsome looks made him a sex symbol and renowned for his pre-fight Poetry And rhymes, Ali even Influenced Rap’s most celebrated artists with References to “Ali” in many of Their well-known songs.
The legendary Ali was a fighter with a heart, standing up for religious Freedom and racial injustice, even inspiring African American civil rights Leader, The Reverend Dr Martin Luther King.
Ali won his first heavyweight title at twenty-two in 1964 from Sonny Liston
Causing major upset in the world of boxing, Ali’s first lineal win, However,
Ali found himself stripped of his heavyweight belt along with all titles
When he refused the draught citing religious beliefs in opposition to the Vietnam war.
Muhammad Ali refused to go and kill brown people
In another land, who had done nothing to him for a government who enslaved his own race.
With wings removed and sting taken out of the ring, Ali lost his best fighting Years, Punishment, for defying those who deal in oppression.
A counter-culture icon, Ali’s fight was on against a five-year prison sentence
Which he took to the supreme court to overturn. Ali finally won after nearly Four years in the court’s ring for his own social injustice.
One of the fastest boxer’s of all time and ability to endure pain Ranks, Muhammad Ali, as the greatest-ever heavyweight amongst Boxing historians.
Muhammad Ali finally returned to boxing after being given a chance in Atlanta to fight Gerry Quarry. It took the powerful Ali just three rounds before The fight was stopped as Quarry bled badly from over his left eye.
Ali’s second fight was with Oscar Benovena a tough Argentinian boxer who Had never been Stopped in the ring. Ali managed to stop him in the fifteenth With the third knockdown. Ali now had his shot at the title.
Ali faced “Smokin” Jo Frazier in March ’71, a contest called, “The fight of the Century” Watched in 35 countries. Both men were undefeated champions Contending for the heavyweight crown.
The fight looked like it could go Either way right up until round Fifteen. Frazier managed to knock Ali down, however, Ali was on his feet in three Seconds, never the less, the judges awarded Frazier The Heavyweight Title, And Ali his first-ever professional defeat.
Muhammad Ali fought twelve times between ’71 and ’73 losing once to Ken Norton who broke Ali’s jaw. Ali won the return bout leading him to another Fight with “Smokin” Jo Frazier.
The fight took place in Madison Square Gardens New York, broadcast in 70 Countries. Ali won this fight by unanimous decision, however, Frazier had Already lost his crown to the formidable George Forman, one of the hardest Hitters in boxing history.
Muhammad Ali was about to unleash his second major upset in the world of Boxing.
“If you think the world was surprised when Nixon resigned, wait till I whup Forman’s behind!” — Ali.
“The Rumble in the Jungle” was referred to as “The greatest fight in boxing History.” The much-hyped event watched by one billion people saw Ali Taking His second Heavyweight title at age 32 from a young powerful
25-year-old George Forman. Forman was guaranteed to defeat the older Champion, Muhammad Ali.
Ali retained his title in three more bouts, two Knockouts and one unanimous Decision before leading him back to “Smokin” Jo Frazier.
“A Killa and a thrilla and a chilla, when I get that gorilla in Manila.” — Ali.
Ali and Frazier now faced each other for a third and final time in a bout titled “Thrilla in Manilla” held in the Philippines in October 1975, with Temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The bout is ranked as one of The most brutal in boxing history watched by over a billion people.
Ali retained his title with a technical knockout, Frazier’s trainer Eddie Futch Asked the Referee to stop the fight before the 15th round, Frazier had taken So Much punishment Both eyes were swollen shut. When interviewed after The Fight Ali said.
“That was the closest thing to dying I know” — Ali.
Ali defended his title in six title bouts, losing the seventh to Leon Spinks in the February ’78 at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. A split decision which cost Ali Both his World Boxing Association and World Boxing council World Heavyweight titles.
Muhammad Ali took his third title belt at the Superdome in New Orleans, Watched by 90 million People in September 1978 in a re-match with Leon Spinks. This time, a 25-year-old Spinks was No match for a 36-year-old Muhammad Ali Dancing around the ring for fifteen Rounds playing With an Uninspiring Performance from Spinks.
Muhammad Ali retired, then returned for Two more bouts. The first with Larry Holmes in Las Vegas, Holms easily Defeating a stubborn 38-year-old Ali Who he had no wish to fight.
Ali’s final fight seen him losing to Trevor Burbick in a bout named the “Drama in Bahama.”
Muhammad Ali’s Stats: Fights. 61. Won. 56 Wins by K.O. 37. Losses 5.
Muhammad Ali continued his work with charities during his boxing career And after his Retirement in 1981. Known for his generosity, humour and Activism, Ali never refused an autograph. Muhammad Ali was referred to as
“The most famous person on the planet.” Using his Popularity to help people.
A true humanitarian practising his Islamic duties, helping those in need, no Matter their creed. Ali travelled to countries around Africa and the Middle East, raising awareness for those in desperate situations.
In September 2009 Muhammad Ali visited Ennis Co. Clare Ireland, home to His Great grandfather Abe Grady who emigrated to Kentucky, Ali’s birthplace, In the 1860s.
I knew there had to be some Irish fighting spirit in there somewhere.
Muhammad Ali was hospitalised in Scottsdale Arizona 2nd of June 2016, Where he died the following day of septic shock aged 74.
Muhammad Ali’s Body was interred at Cave Hill Cemetery Louisville Kentucky After a street Procession watched by an estimated one billion Worldwide Viewers. His legacy lives on. “The Greatest.”
Thank you Dr Mehmet Yildiz and the ILLUMINATION-Curated team for giving my words a platform. Thank you all for reading and your precious time. Always. J.
