Sports Memorabilia -> Fan Apparel and Souvenirs -> Boxing
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.
Photo Credits: cliff1066™
Originally posted 2008-10-30 14:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Michael Jordan Posters sports-memorabilia -> Basketball-NBA -> Lithographs-Posters-and-Prints During the 1990s, it wasn't uncommon to see Michael Jordan posters lining the walls of kids rooms. Born in 1963, Jordan played college ball at the University of North Carolina and began his professional career (and played his best years) with National Basketball Association...... -
Collecting Signed Sports Memorabilia If you are interested in sports, then there is a growing business trend that you should be aware of, which relates to buying, collecting and selling signed sports memorabilia. This is a sound investment that would be well worth considering if you are into sports, but the first consideration that...... -
Spotting Real Autographed Sports Memorabilia Many people get excited about autographed sports memorabilia when they find it for a good price, and as a result, many people purchase so called authentic autographed sports memorabilia without investigating the authenticity of said memorabilia. The question that all buyers should be asking when shopping for autographed sports memorabilia...... -
Buying NFL Sports Memorabilia Every fan of the NFL would absolutely love the chance to own a piece of real NFL Sports memorabilia. This may be an old match program or a signed shirt or a signed football. The NFL Sports game is a well loved game worldwide, and it has a huge amount...... -
Sports Memorabilia Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs Original -> Cards Out of all of the different kinds of memorabilia, perhaps the one that collectors seek the most is sports memorabilia. There is something special about finding that special item from a player you admire, or a memento from a game that meant something......
Related Websites -
Grateful Dead Posters Memorabilia -> G -> Grateful Dead Grateful Dead fans, often called Dead Heads, and music memorabilia collectors can pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for items like handbills and Grateful Dead posters. Anyone not familiar with the band or the unique style of images and posters used during the...... -
Musician Profile for Isaac Stern American violinist Isaac Stern was born on July 21, 1920 and died on September 22, 2001. During his lifetime, he won several prestigious awards, including the 1982 Sonning Award and a number of Grammys. In addition to receiving recognition for his own works, Stern was also known to have a...... -
Identifying Authentic Memorabilia One of the most important aspects of collecting any type of memorabilia is the ability to determine what memorabilia is authentic memorabilia and what is not. This is especially vitally important when it comes to autographed memorabilia in a variety of different arenas such as sports star memorabilia and movie...... -
Andy Warhol Paintings Memorabilia -> Entertainment Memorabilia Andy Warhol paintings today are housed in museums, owned by private collectors and released as prints for public consumption. He was born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928. Though he died in 1987 from complications after gall bladder surgery, his name is still well known...... -
Sports Memorabilia Appraisal Perhaps you have found the perfect piece of sports memorabilia, signed by your favorite sports star, and you are just about to make the purchase. Perhaps the price is perfect, and you are ready to make the exchange. Hold on! Any collectible sports memorabilia needs to be coming equipped with......
