By Emma Lota
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., is widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time. His unparalleled skill in the ring, charismatic personality, and unwavering commitment to social justice made him a global icon.
While many know about his
legendary fights, such as the "Rumble in the Jungle" and the
"Thrilla in Manila," there are lesser-known aspects of his life that
reveal even more about the man behind the legend. Here are 10 things you
probably didn’t know about Muhammad Ali:
1.
He Was Named After a White Abolitionist
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius
Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. His father,
Cassius Clay Sr., named him after Cassius Marcellus Clay, a 19th-century
abolitionist and politician who fought against slavery. Ironically, the abolitionist
Clay was a distant relative of Henry Clay, a slave owner and U.S. Senator. Ali
later changed his name after converting to Islam in 1964, rejecting what he
called his "slave name."
2.
His Boxing Career Started Because of a Stolen Bike
At the age of 12, Ali’s bike
was stolen, and he reported the theft to a police officer named Joe Martin.
Frustrated, Ali told Martin he wanted to "whup" the thief. Martin,
who also trained young boxers, suggested Ali learn how to fight first. This
chance encounter led Ali to his first boxing lessons, and within weeks, he won
his first amateur bout. The rest, as they say, is history.
3.
He Won an Olympic Gold Medal as a Light Heavyweight
Before becoming a professional
boxer, Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome
Olympics in the light heavyweight division. He was just 18 years old at the
time. However, his relationship with the medal was complicated. Disillusioned
by the racism he faced upon returning to the U.S., Ali reportedly threw the
medal into the Ohio River. Decades later, he was given a replacement medal
during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he lit the ceremonial torch.
4.
He Was a Poet and a Wordsmith
Ali was famous for his quick
wit and poetic trash talk, which he used to intimidate opponents and entertain
fans. He often recited rhymes predicting the round in which he would win, such
as:
"Float like a butterfly,
sting like a bee.
His hands can’t hit what his
eyes can’t see."
His poetic flair wasn’t just
for show, it was a strategic way to get inside his opponents’ heads and build
his public persona.
5.
He Refused to Be Drafted Into the Vietnam War
In 1967, at the height of his
career, Ali was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He refused, citing his
religious beliefs and opposition to the war, famously saying:
"I ain’t got no quarrel
with them Viet Cong."
As a result, he was stripped of
his boxing titles, banned from the sport for three years, and sentenced to five
years in prison (though he never served time). His stance made him a polarizing
figure but also a symbol of resistance and courage. In 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court
overturned his conviction.
6.
He Fought in the Most-Watched Boxing Match in History
Ali’s 1974 fight against George
Foreman, known as the "Rumble in the Jungle," is one of the most
famous bouts in boxing history. What many don’t know is that it was also the
most-watched boxing match of all time, with an estimated 1 billion viewers
tuning in worldwide. Ali used his "rope-a-dope" strategy to tire out
Foreman and eventually knocked him out in the eighth round, reclaiming the
heavyweight title.
7.
He Was a Humanitarian and Philanthropist
Outside the ring, Ali was
deeply committed to humanitarian causes. He traveled the world to support
charitable organizations, deliver food and medical supplies, and advocate for
peace. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace. He also
founded the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, to promote social justice,
education, and personal growth.
8.
He Battled Parkinson’s Disease with Grace
Ali was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s disease in 1984, just three years after retiring from boxing.
Despite the physical challenges, he remained active in public life, using his
platform to raise awareness about the disease. His appearance at the 1996
Atlanta Olympics, where he lit the torch with trembling hands, is one of the
most iconic moments in sports history. Ali’s grace and resilience in the face
of illness inspired millions.
9.
He Was Married Four Times and Had Nine Children
Ali’s personal life was as
dynamic as his career. He was married four times and had nine children,
including Laila Ali, who followed in his footsteps to become a world champion
boxer. Despite his fame, Ali was a devoted family man who often spoke about the
importance of love and unity.
10.
He Was Honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2005, President George W.
Bush awarded Ali the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in
the United States. The award recognized not only his achievements in boxing but
also his contributions to civil rights, humanitarian work, and global peace.
Ali’s legacy extends far beyond the ring, making him a true champion in every
sense of the word.
Muhammad Ali was more than just
a boxer, he was a poet, a rebel, a humanitarian, and a global icon. His life
was filled with extraordinary achievements, but it’s the lesser-known stories
that reveal the depth of his character and the breadth of his impact.
From his humble beginnings in
Louisville to his rise as "The Greatest," Ali’s journey is a
testament to the power of courage, conviction, and compassion. His legacy
continues to inspire generations, proving that greatness is not just about winning
titles but about standing up for what you believe in and making a difference in
the world.
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