The onset of a rebellion, Muhammad Ali
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Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, passed away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Muhammad Ali is a legendary boxer known for his unique boxing skills, colorful personality, and societal impact. Here is a brief biography of Muhammad Ali:
- Early Life and Start in Boxing:
- Muhammad Ali developed an interest in boxing at the age of 12. After winning the Golden Gloves, he gained attention by winning the gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Professional Career and Transformation:
- Cassius Clay started his professional boxing career in 1960. In 1964, when he defeated world heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali.
- Vietnam War and Conscientious Objection:
- Ali garnered attention by refusing to participate in the Vietnam War in 1966. This led to the revocation of his boxing license and a five-year prison sentence. However, in 1970, the Supreme Court overturned the decision, accepting Ali's appeal.
- Major Fights and Championships:
- Ali's career is filled with historic matches, including three epic battles with Joe Frazier, known as "The Fight of the Century" and "Thrilla in Manila." Ali became the world heavyweight champion three times.
- Illness and Later Years:
- Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, leading to his retirement from boxing in 1981. However, he remained actively involved in social and humanitarian causes for the rest of his life. Ali struggled with health issues in his later years and passed away at the age of 74.
Muhammad Ali is remembered not only for his boxing career and athletic achievements but also for his free-thinking, activism, and stance on human rights.
Do you think he won that battle?...