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THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Muhammad Ali: Boxing, Image and Athletes in Politics
Cassius Clay
Born January 17, 1942
Louisville, Kentucky
Began boxing at 12 years old after having his bike stolen
Cassius Clay Dominant as an
amateur fighter 6 Kentucky Golden
Gloves titles 2 National Golden
Gloves titles 2 National AAU titles All before he was 18 1960 Gold Medalist
in the Rome Olympics
Cassius Clay Clay very quickly
established himself as a heavyweight contender
First title fight came against Sonny Liston
Liston was the Tyson of his generation
Clay becoming known for his mouth as much as for his skill
Quotes Leading Up to the First Liston Fight Best estimates had Clay as a 3:1
underdog Clay’s fighting style was very
unorthodox for a heavyweight "Float like a butterfly.
Sting like a bee.Your hands can't hitwhat your eyes can't see."
Clay Defeats Liston February 25, 1964 Clay beat Liston
soundly Liston refused to
answer the bell for the seventh
Becomes a social phenomenon after the fight
Conversion to Islam During training for
the first Liston fight, Clay became friends with Malcolm X
Became a member of the Nation of Islam
Changed his name to Cassius X, then Muhammad Ali
Why Muhammad Ali?
“Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn't choose it, and I didn't want it. I am Muhammad Ali, a free name - it means beloved of God - and I insist people use it when speaking to me and of me.”
Early Years As Champion Ali continued to
dominate the heavyweight ranks
Defended title 9 times in two years, including victories over Liston (again) and Floyd Paterson
His outspoken nature will also keep him in the spotlight
Vietnam Trouble comes in 1967 Ali refuses to serve in the
American military "War is against the
teachings of the Holy Qur'aan. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers.“
“No Vietcong ever called me n****r”
1967 Ali continues his dominance in the
ring, but becomes a lightning rod for controversy.
Mainstream America is suspicious of the Nation of Islam
Ali is stripped of his championship, convicted for refusing induction into the U.S. army.
Not allowed to fight for three years
1970 Ali kept himself in the
spotlight by speaking at rallies and college campuses
1970- allowed to return to the ring
1971- Supreme Court overturns his conviction
Conscientious objector
The Fight of the Century Not the same
fighter Time off hurt him His most famous
fights come in this era, starting with Joe Frazier
“Rope-a-dope” strategy starts to go into effect
The Rumble in the Jungle Ali-Foreman, 1974 One of the first fights ever
promoted by Don King Fought against George Foreman in
Zaire “From Slaveship to Championship” Ali given virtually no chance
against Foreman Fight has all sorts of controversy
outside of the ring (social/political)
Films We’ll Be Screening
“When We Were Kings- The Rumble in the Jungle”
“Facing Ali”