When you think of boxing, you automatically think of Muhammad Ali. No one has redefined the world of boxing as much as this phenomenon. True to form, Ali’s career has been incredible. In boxing history, no one has defeated more champions and top contenders than this heavyweight. He has certainly come a long way from being an underdog to being the greatest fighter of all time.
The great Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. Young Cassius would become interested in the sport after a thief stole his bike. As a child, Cassius was determined to learn to box so he could give the thief a good “whopping”. It was then that he would begin the fighter’s fervor for the sport.
The Kentucky native would prove to the world that he was the best at what he did when he made his debut in 1960. Early in his career, Cassius would prove invincible, having been knocked down just twice. Cocky and arrogant, young Cassius worked his way to the top until he finally seized the opportunity when he became the top contender for the heavyweight crown against Sonny Liston.
Always bold and reckless, Cassius often taunted Liston by calling him: “a big ugly bear.”This fight would give birth to Cassius’s popular and clever pun, “float like a butterfly sting like a beeThe world waited with bated breath for who would win. Cassius would dominate the fight for most of the rounds. However, during the fourth round, it looked like dirty tactics were on the cards when Cassius began to feel a burning sensation in his head. eyes.This proved to be futile, as Cassius would respond to Liston’s deception tactics with a flurry of punches.In the seventh round, Liston would refuse to answer the bell, and Cassius was declared the winner.
Cassius would later change his name to Muhammad Ali, having converted to Islam. He would later challenge the world, as he would force discussions on controversial and surprising topics such as religion and race.
Ali is now battling Parkinson’s disease, an illness credited for the beatings he took during his grueling career. Living the quiet life now, this fighter lives his life with as much courage and determination as he did in the ring. He still stands tall and proud… Unwavering… A testament to the world that he is, indeed, the greatest.