Intro

The name Muhammad Ali is known throughout the world , and to many people he is referred to as a hero. Certain events in Muhammad's life made him into a respectable and generous person.
By examining the life, contributions to the world, and how he will continue to inspire the next generation, I will prove that Muhammad Ali is an important figure.

Life

Boxer, philianthropist, and social activist Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. Being the first son, he was named after his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. His father painted signs and his mother Odessa Grady Clay worked as a cleaning lady, whenever they struggled with money. Considered one of the greatest athletes in boxing history, Ali showed his bravery at an early age. Growing up in the segregated south, Ali discovered and experienced racial prejudice firsthand, which likely lead to his early passion for boxing. (The making of an icon, page 7)

When 12 year old Muhammad Ali went to a merchandise fair with his friend in his hometown, Louisville, they returned to get their bicycles only to discover that Muhammad's bike had been stolen. Furious, Ali reported the crime to the Columbia Auditorium. He spoke to the nearest policeman Joe Martin, who was also a boxing coach at the Columbia gym. Ali threatened to beat the victim up, but Martin suggested that he should probably learn to fight first. Ali started working with Martin to learn how to box, and soon began his boxing career. (history1900s.about.com/od/people/a/muhammadali.com)

Ever since Ali started to box, he took his training seriously, and trained six days a week. On school days, he woke up early in the morning just so he could go running, and then he would workout later in the evening. When Martin's gym would close at 8pm, Ali then went to train at another boxing gym. Ali even started to make changes in his diet. Concerned about what he put into his body, Ali stayed away from junk food, alcohol and cigarettes so he could become the best boxer in the world. Although he hated every minute of training, he said “Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” With all of his hard work and dedication, in 1960 he won light-heavyweight gold medal at the Rome Olympics. Shortly after his return home from Rome, Ali threw his medal in anger into the Ohio River after he and a friend of his were being refused service at a "whites-only" restaurant, and fighting with a white gang. (history1900s.about.com/od/people/a/muhammadali.com)

Ali has been married 4 times, and has 7 daughters and 2 sons. He met his first wife, cocktail waitress Sonji Roi, one month before they got married on August 14, 1964. Roi's objections to certain Muslim customs in regards to dress for women lead to their divorce. On August 17, 1967, Ali married 17 year old Belinda Boyd. After the wedding, she changed her name to Khalih Ali following the Muslim tradition. They had 4 children together; the eldest daughter, Maryum was born in 1968, twin daughters, Jamilah and Rasheda, were born in 1970, and Muhammad's only biological son, Muhammad Ali Jr. was born in 1972. However, Ali began an affair with a young woman named Veronica Porsche in 1974. By the summer of 1977, Ali's second marriage was over and he married Veronica. By the time they were married, they had a baby girl Hana, and Veronica was pregnant with their second child. Their second daughter, Laila was born in December. By 1986 Ali and Veronica had divorced. On November 9, 1986 Ali married his fourth wife, Yolanda Ali. They'd known each other since 1964 in Louisville, having first met when when Ali was 22 and Yolanda was 6. They adopted one son, Asaad. Ali has two other daughters, Miya and Khaliah, from extramarital relationships. (www.u-s-history.com) Ali refused the entry to the Nation of Islams, due to his boxing career. However, after his big win against Liston, where he won the “heavy weight champ” award in 1964, he announced his membership at the Nation of Islam. A week later, leader Elijiah Muhammad gave Muhammad Ali his name. He was known as Cassius Clay until then. The champ embraced the name change. (The making of an icon)

On April 28, 1967 with the United States at war in Vietnam, Ali refused to be inducted into the army forces, saying “Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs?” On June 20, 1967 Muhammad Ali was convicted in Houston for refusing the war. For his statement, as much as the act itself Ali was convicted with draft evasion, banned from boxing for 3 years, and also lost his “heavy weight champ” title. (www.history.com)

Contributions

With his case still in attraction, Ali returned to the ring after winning a boxing license in Atlanta on August 12, 1970, thanks to State Senator Leroy R. Johnson, where he was granted a license to box by the City of Atlanta Athletic Commission. Ali fought in his first real comeback on October 26, 1970 against Jerry Quarry, resulting in a win after three rounds. After this, the New York State Boxing Commission reinstated Ali's license to fight there and Ali fought against Oscar Bonavena at Madison in December 1970, knocking him out during the 15th round, leaving him as a top contender against heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. On March 8, 1971 Ali got his chance to win back the heavyweight title. Ali was to fight Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden. Their fight, named “Fight of the Century” was viewed in 35 countries around the world. The fight went the full 15 rounds, with both fighters still standing at the end. Unanimously, the fight was awarded to Frazier. Ali suffered his first ever professional boxing loss afterwards from the fight. (boxrec.com)

Ali faced off against heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire on October 30, 1974 in a fight nicknamed "The Rumble in the Jungle”. Ali successfully used his “rope-a-dope” strategy, where he allowed Foreman to get him against the ropes and swing away until he tired himself out, and when he did that's when Ali attacked. Ali was able to tire Forman out so much that by the eighth round, Ali knocked Foreman out. For the second time, Muhammad Ali had become the heavyweight champion of the world.( Www.ali.com/legend)

Ali agreed to another match with Joe Frazier on October 1, 1975 in Manila, Philippines, called “Thrilla in Manila.” Both heavyweights hit hard, and were determined to win. The fight was stopped when Frazier was unable to answer the bell for the 15th and final round, because his eyes were nearly swollen shut and his trainer refused to allow him to continue fighting. Afterwards, Ali cited Frazier as “the greatest fighter of all times next to me.” (history1900s.about.com/od/people/a/muhammadali.com)

With a career record of 55-2, overconfident Ali lost his belt to 1976 Olympic champ Leon Spinks, however, Ali wins back the title in an unanimous decision seven months later. Following this win, on June 27, 1979 Ali announced his retirement. Yet like many more great fighters, he stepped back into the ring to face Larry Holmes for the WBA belt in an attempt to win the heavyweight championship the fourth time. It was around this time that Ali started struggling with vocal stutters and trembling hands. Holmes easily dominated the weakened Ali, who had taken medication that left him visibly tired and short of breath. Ali's trainer stopped the fight in the eleventh round, citing the only Ali fight in which he lost by knockout. The Holmes fight is said to have contributed to Ali's Parkinson's Syndrome, a common disease whose symptoms are slowness and stiffness, impaired balance, and rigidity of the muscles. Ali fought one last time on December 21, 1981 in Nassau against Trevor Berbick losing a ten-round match. Following the bout, Ali officially announced his retirement, “hanging up his gloves for good”, having won the heavyweight championship title 3 times. (history1900s.about.com/od/people/a/muhammadali.com) After being out of the spotlight for more than a decade, Muhammad Ali was asked to light the Olympic flame during the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and was also given a second gold medal to replace the one he tossed in the Ohio river 36 years earlier. Ali moved slowly and his hands shook; yet his performance brought tears to many who watched the Olympic lighting. Since then, Ali has worked tirelessly helping charities around the world. He remains a hero and icon of the 20th century. (www.bbc.co)

Inspiration

Ali will continue to inspire people all around the world, and motivate people to chase their dreams inside and outside of the ring. Ali had confidence in himself, and was determined in his goals, which he achieved. He's a religious man, who had no fear in announcing his membership at the Nation of Islams. He stood up against the Vietnam War, and created a legacy outside of the ring. He stood up for these things, and never feared in doing so. He showed that you can be yourself, and stand up tall and proud for your different beliefs. Ali captures so many peoples attention, because no matter how famous he got, he always puts others before him self. He was a tremendous boxer, and lit up the ring whenever he entered. He touched the world with his greatness. Muhammad Ali really is a special man and athlete for so many different reasons, and to billions of people.

Conclusion

Muhammad Ali is much more than just a boxer. He is a very influential fighter in his war against racism. The man formerly known as Cassius Clay transformed himself from a boy in desperate search for the victim who stole his bicycle into the heavyweight champion of the world, and then into the man who proudly lit the the torch at the 1996 Olympics. Muhammad Ali is considered the greatest boxer in history, because of his charismatic personality, and his skill in the ring. Ali's personality will forever be remembered for his entertaining and affectionate ways. Ali is a great inspiration to the black community, and made many great paths for other blacks to follow. By examining the life, contributions to the world, and how he will continue to inspire the next generation it is evident that Muhammad Ali is an important figure.