FlashBack Facts: Remembering A Champion
5 little known facts about Muhammad Ali:
1. He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.
2. He changed his name to Muhammad Ali after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964.
3. He is a three-time World Heavyweight Champion.
4. He is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.
5. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984.
The controversial Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was controversial both in and out of the ring. Despite being one of the most prolific and celebrated boxers in history, he was also outspoken about his political and religious beliefs, which frequently clashed with mainstream opinion.
1. His name change from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali – this was seen as a sign of his break from the Nation of Islam
2. His refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War, citing religious reasons
3. His public statements against racism and social injustice
4. His outspoken support of the Nation of Islam
5. His conversion to Sunni Islam in 1975
Vintage Voices: Muhammad Ali Edition
“I am America.”
– Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali quote :
“I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.”
–Muhammad Ali
YouTube Rewind
Muhammad Ali – “I’ll Show You How Great I Am” speech
Muhammad Ali top 5 fights where:
1. He defeated Sonny Liston in 1964 to win his first world heavyweight title
2. He defeated George Foreman in 1974 in the “Rumble in the Jungle”
3. He defeated Joe Frazier in 1971 in the “Fight of the Century”
4. He defeated Ken Norton in 1973
5. He lost to Leon Spinks in 1978, but regained his world heavyweight title in a rematch later that year.
YouTube Rewind: Bonus Video
Muhammad Ali vs. George Forman: Watch It Now
Muhammad Ali as mentor and coach
In addition to his success in the ring, Muhammad Ali also made a significant impact outside of boxing. He was a mentor and coach to many young boxers, including Mike Tyson. He was also an active philanthropist, working to help children in need around the world.
He founded the “Muhammad Ali Center” in Louisville, Kentucky which is “a multicultural center that promotes respect, hope and understanding.”
The legacy of Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74. His funeral was a national event, attended by leaders from around the world and watched by millions on television.
Former President Bill Clinton said of Ali: “He shook up the world. And the world is better for it. We are all better for it.”
“He shook up the world. And the world is better for it. We are all better for it.”
– Bill Clinton
Despite his many accomplishments, Ali’s legacy is defined by much more than boxing. He is remembered as a trailblazer and an icon, a man who spoke out against injustice and racial inequality, and who used his voice to inspire people around the world. In short, Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest champions – both in and out of the ring – that the world has ever seen.