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Boxing Muhammad Ali: A Legacy of Family, Boxing, and Courage

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Boxing Muhammad Ali: A Legacy of Family, Boxing, and Courage

Muhammad Ali, acclaimed as a three-time heavyweight boxing champion boasting an impressive record of 56 wins, is more than just a sporting legend.

He’s also renowned for his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War and his enduring legacy as a social activist.

Who Was Muhammad Ali?

Muhammad Ali, a multifaceted figure, is universally revered as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.

His accolades include an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and multiple world heavyweight boxing championships, notably in 1964, 1974, and 1978.

Despite facing suspension for refusing military service during the Vietnam War, Ali triumphantly reclaimed the heavyweight title twice more in the 1970s, notably defeating Joe Frazier and George Foreman.

After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali dedicated himself to philanthropy, culminating in the awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

Early Life and Boxing Beginnings

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali’s journey began amidst the racially segregated South, where he encountered firsthand the injustices of prejudice and discrimination.

At age 12, an incident involving the theft of his bicycle led him to police officer Joe Martin, who introduced him to boxing as a means of self-defense.

This encounter sparked Ali’s passion for the sport, propelling him towards an illustrious boxing career.

Ali’s amateur boxing endeavors were marked by early successes, including triumphs in the Golden Gloves tournaments and the Amateur Athletic Union’s national championship.

Despite facing academic challenges, with some educators questioning his graduation eligibility, Ali’s principal recognized his potential and advocated for his advancement.

Boxing Muhammad Ali: Olympic Triumph and Professional Career

In 1960, Ali secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic boxing team and clinched the light heavyweight gold medal in Rome, showcasing his prowess and agility in the ring.

Following his Olympic victory, he embarked on a professional career with unwavering support from the Louisville Sponsoring Group, swiftly establishing his dominance over opponents.

Influence of Malcolm X and Conversion to Islam

Ali’s path intersected with that of Malcolm X, the charismatic Nation of Islam minister, in 1962. Impressed by Malcolm X’s impassioned speeches, Ali forged a friendship and deepened his involvement with the Black Muslim movement.

Their bond culminated in Ali’s conversion to Islam, symbolized by his adoption of the name Muhammad Ali in 1964.

Despite a subsequent rift with Malcolm X, Ali’s commitment to Islam remained steadfast, leading to his eventual embrace of orthodox Islam in the 1970s.

Muhammad Ali’s legacy transcends his athletic achievements, embodying courage, conviction, and a relentless pursuit of justice both inside and outside the boxing ring.

The Vietnam War Protest and Legal Battle of Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali’s iconic stance against the Vietnam War reverberates through history, illustrating his unwavering commitment to his beliefs both inside and outside the boxing ring.

Drafted into the military in April 1967, Ali sparked controversy by refusing to serve, citing his religious convictions as a practicing Muslim minister.

Ali’s refusal to comply with the draft led to legal repercussions, including arrest for felony charges and the subsequent stripping of his world title and boxing license.

Despite facing intense scrutiny, Ali stood firm in his convictions, maintaining that his religious beliefs prohibited him from participating in warfare.

In June 1967, Ali was convicted of violating Selective Service laws and sentenced to five years in prison. However, he remained free while appealing his conviction, which meant a hiatus from professional boxing during what should have been his prime years in the sport.

Despite these challenges, Ali continued to train and engage with the sport’s community, nurturing amateur boxing leagues and participating in local gym fights.

In a pivotal turn of events, Ali was granted a license to fight in 1970 in Georgia, leading to his return to the ring with a victorious bout against Jerry Quarry.

The following year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali’s conviction, vindicating his stance on conscientious objection and enabling him to resume his boxing career on a regular basis.

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Muhammad Ali’s Boxing Legacy

Ali’s illustrious boxing career spans a remarkable record of 56 wins, five losses, and 37 knockouts before his retirement in 1981 at the age of 39.

His charismatic persona, self-proclaimed as “The Greatest,” was matched by his flamboyant boasts and colorful descriptions, captivating audiences worldwide.

Several of Ali’s iconic bouts have cemented his status as a boxing legend:

Sonny Liston: In 1964, Ali’s triumph over Sonny Liston marked his ascent to the heavyweight championship, setting the stage for his illustrious career.

Joe Frazier: The legendary rivalry between Ali and Joe Frazier culminated in the historic “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975, a grueling match that showcased both men’s incredible resilience and determination.

George Foreman: The “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman in 1974 saw Ali defying odds as the underdog, employing his strategic “rope-a-dope” technique to secure an eighth-round knockout victory.

Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes: Ali’s triumphant victory over Leon Spinks in a rematch solidified his status as the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times.

However, his later match against Larry Holmes in 1980 highlighted the toll of age and retirement on his once-dominant abilities.

Ultimately, Ali’s enduring legacy transcends his boxing achievements, symbolizing courage, conviction, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Muhammad Ali’s Family Legacy and Personal Life

Muhammad Ali’s personal life was as dynamic as his legendary boxing career. Throughout his life, he was married four times and fathered nine children, including two daughters born out of wedlock.

His first marriage was to Sonji Roi in 1964, but it ended in divorce after a little over a year due to Roi’s reluctance to adopt the Nation of Islam dress and customs.

In 1967, Ali married 17-year-old Belinda Boyd, with whom he had four children: Maryum (born in 1969), Jamillah and Rasheda (both born in 1970), and Muhammad Ali Jr. (born in 1972). However, their marriage also ended in divorce in 1977.

Simultaneously, Ali was involved with Veronica Porché, whom he married in 1977. They had two daughters together, Hana and Laila Ali, with Laila following in her father’s footsteps as a champion boxer. Ali and Porché parted ways in 1986.

Ali’s fourth and final marriage was to Yolanda, known as Lonnie, in 1986. They had one son together, Asaad, and remained married until Ali’s passing.

Ali’s grandchildren have also made waves in various fields. Rasheda’s son, Nico Walsh Ali, pursued a career in boxing and signed a deal with legendary promoter Bob Arum in 2021. Another grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, excelled as a football player before venturing into mixed martial arts.

In addition, Jacob Ali-Wertheimer, another of Ali’s grandsons, competed in NCAA track and field at Harvard University.

Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Later Years

In 1984, Ali revealed that he had Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition. Despite his declining health and a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, which limited his mobility and communication, Ali remained active in public life.

He dedicated himself to raising funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and continued to make public appearances, including attending Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration in 2009.

Recognition and Death

Ali received numerous accolades for his contributions to society, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2005 and the President’s Award from the NAACP in 2009.

However, Ali’s health continued to deteriorate, and he spent his final years in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He underwent surgery for spinal stenosis and battled pneumonia and a severe urinary tract infection before passing away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 74.

Funeral and Commemoration

In 2016, Muhammad Ali’s funeral and memorial service in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, became a historic event, reflecting the magnitude of his legacy.

Years before his passing, Ali had meticulously planned his own memorial services, expressing his desire for inclusivity and the opportunity for everyone to pay their respects.

The three-day event began with an “I Am Ali” public arts festival, showcasing his life and achievements. The city sponsored entertainment and educational programs, including an Islamic prayer program, reflecting Ali’s diverse identity and beliefs.

The funeral procession traveled a poignant route through Louisville, passing significant landmarks from Ali’s life, such as his childhood home, high school, and the first boxing gym where he trained. Tens of thousands of fans lined the streets, tossing flowers on his hearse and chanting his name in a display of love and reverence.

Memorial Service

The memorial service took place at the KFC Yum Center arena, with nearly 20,000 people in attendance. Speakers from various faiths and backgrounds paid tribute to Ali’s impact on society.

Lonnie, Ali’s widow, emphasized his desire to use his life and death as a teaching moment, particularly for young people, to highlight the injustices he faced and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Former President Bill Clinton spoke of Ali’s self-empowerment and refusal to be disempowered by societal expectations or prejudices, emphasizing his determination to write his own story.

Comedian Billy Crystal, a close friend of Ali’s, praised him as a “silent messenger for peace,” emphasizing his belief in building bridges between people rather than erecting barriers.

Pallbearers at the service included actor Will Smith, who portrayed Ali in a biopic, as well as former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.

Ali was laid to rest at Cave Hill National Cemetery in Louisville, marking the final chapter in the life of a legend whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate worldwide.

He is remembered not only for his unparalleled athletic prowess but also for his courage, conviction, and advocacy for social justice.