Muhammad Ali – “I am the Greatest!”

Born as Clay
Born January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. had to fight inside and out the ring. Through-out his lifetime, he was considered the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T). Not only is he recognized for his boxing titles, but also for his humanitarian attributes to those in need.

Clay’s desire to fight came at an early age. At the age of 12, his new bicycle was stolen. Crying, he told a clerk he was brought to he wanted to report a crime. He was then led to a local gym where an officer trained young children to keep them off the streets. Clay allegedly told the officer on duty he wanted to ‘whip’ the thief. The Officer asked him if he knew how to fight, when Clay answered ‘no’ the Officer simply stated “Well, you better come back here and learn how to fight.” The officer was none other than Joe Martin. Martin’s mission was to combine segregated blacks and white gyms. He believed a boxer has to fight everyone to prove he is a champion.

Martin had to balance Clay’s personality with discipline. Clay was known for his smart aleck ways, but Martin was able to keep him and his students under control when they were in the public eye. Martin also helped produced a televisions show Tomorrows Champions – that was broadcast every Saturday for 12 years. This is where Clay got his first television exposure.

Martin taught Clay the basic fundamental of boxing: stance, balance, footwork, etc. but, Fred Stoner (another trainer of the legend) taught the young boxer the science of boxing. Stoner helped mold Clay’s ability to be quick and graceful in the ring. Clay’s ostentatious style of boasting, rhyming and confidence gave him the media attention to help support his career as a boxing contender. He was so outrageous with his poems and predictions of the fights, that he was nick-named the “Louisville Lip.”

Molded into Ali
At a time when the struggle for civil rights was at a peak the Muslims had emerged as a controversial advocate for the African American community. Human rights activist, Malcolm X. inspired Clay to embrace the Black Muslim faith and change his name to Cassius X. Later he was given the name Muhammad Ali; meaning “beloved of Allah,” by the Muslim’s father, Elijah Muhammad.

During the Vietnam War, Ali was drafted into military service, but he refused to go. Serving in a war and bearing arms went against his religion and moral principles. "War is against the teachings of the Holy Qur'an. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers." Ali also claimed he was exempt for the fact that he was a minister among the Black Muslims. This left a bad taste in the mouths of the press, who loved his colorful character. They felt as if Ali was unpatriotic and pompous. But Ali refused to bend to the will of pressure; he denied his Christian name and would only respond to Muhammad Ali.

The stance came at a high price for Ali; he was stripped from his heavyweight title and banned from fighting for three years. He was also convicted for refusing to serve in the army and sentenced to five years in prison. In exile, Ali fought the conviction by staying in public spotlight and supported himself with speeches by talking against the war. Over three years went by before Ali’s name was cleared by the Supreme Court.

As time has passed, Ali has fought and regained his championship title. And not just in the boxing! Ali has traveled in various countries helping those in need. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition, it didn’t deter him from being an advocate of hunger and poverty relief. He is known for sponsoring the Special Olympics and the Make a Wish Foundation supporting education, adoptions and encourage people to respect and understand one-another. He also can be found on the campaign trail endorsing political heads. He has campaigned for Jimmy Carter, Barak Obama, and his old mentor and coach Joe Martin, when he was running for Sherriff of Louisville, Kentucky.

There have been movie recognitions, books and Medals of Honor given to Ali for all the great that he has contributed throughout his lifetime. He may have retired out of the boxing ring, but Ali is still in the fight! Not many people will argue with someone who is to be believed to be the greatest. Especially, Muhammad Ali!
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