Not that long ago, everyone recognized the name Muhammad Ali. He wasn’t just popular during his heyday, though, even though many of the younger generation might not recognize his name today. As recently as 1999, he was given the title “Sportsman of the Century” by Sports Illustrated, in conjunction with the British Broadcasting Company. Ali was an American boxing champion who still holds a record today for winning the linear heavyweight championship 3 times. He was also an Olympic gold-medalist.

Muhammad Ali’s real name was Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. named for his father who was actually named after an abolitionist and politician. When Clay joined the National of Islam in he changed his name to Muhammad Ali, in line with his newfound religious beliefs. No one knew this until he won the heavyweight championship in 1964, and then he revealed his religion. This was controversial then, as his views were considered extreme and racist. He openly condemned interracial marriage, and claimed that the white man hated the black man.

Ali was no stranger to controversy throughout his entire career. Part of the appeal of Muhammad Ali to many wasn’t just his amazing ability in the boxing ring, but his attitude In 1964, he failed the test that would qualify him for the draft because he had sub-par reading and writing abilities. He finally passed the test in 1966, but claimed that he was a conscientious objector of the Vietnam War on religious grounds and refused to serve because Allah had not given him the instruction. When he was drafted and refused to go in 1967, the boxing commission stripped him of his rights to box, and he didn’t enter a professional ring again until 1970.

Muhammad Ali became a 3-time World Heavyweight Champion, with his fights often known by catch-phrases like “The Fight of the Century” when he took on champion Joe Frazier, “Rumble in the Jungle” when he fought against George Foreman, and “Thrilla in Manila” when he fought Joe Frazier again.

One of his most famous lines, recognized widely even by people with no interest in boxing, referred to his style in the boxing ring: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He was known for the speed of his hands and his ability to do fast footwork and move. He was also steel-jawed, never seeming to fear getting punched by the opponent. His ‘feud” with then famous sportscaster Howard Kosell was just one more thing to get the audience excited and create buzz about Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1984, and has won numerous awards and been giving numerous distinctions since he retired from boxing. Still a practicing and devout Muslim, he travels extensively and contributes time and money to several humanitarian causes, including helping feed the hungry worldwide. Collectibles found on eBay often include photos, old magazines and news clipping, and autographs—compare those with a trusted source to be sure the signature is authentic, he hasn’t signed autographs in several years, so these go for a high price.

Originally posted 2008-10-30 14:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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