2016 just turned a little more sour. Muhammad Ali, former world heavyweight champion, passed away on Saturday, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Ali, one of the best-known sporting figures of the 20th century, was 74.
Ali was nicknamed “The Greatest,” and retired from boxing in 1981 with a record of 56 wins. His original name was Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, but changed his name in 1964 after his conversion to Islam.
The man had an eventful life, and a carefree, chilled-out persona, which reflected in his fights too. His punches were raw and on-point, both inside and outside the ring. We take a look at a few memorable ones.
Knocking out Racism
“I am America. I am the part you won’t recognise. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; My name, not yours; My religion, not yours; My goals, my own; Get used to me” – Ali speaking against racism in the United States.
Fighting With a Song
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see. Now you see me, now you don’t. George thinks he will, but I know he won’t” – Ali’s verse before fighting George Foreman in 1974.
Destroying the Vietnam Draft
“The draft is about white people sending black people to fight yellow people to protect the country they stole from the red people” – Ali refused to fight for the US in the Vietnam war. Due to this, he was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000 and banned from boxing for three years.
Sweeping With Swag
“It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up”
Heavyweight Inspiration
“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe”
The Greatest, Indeed!
“I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was. I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I really was the greatest”
Did Muhammad Ali inspire you too? Share your tribute to him in the comments below.
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