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”