Recently, “the Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay, Jr. on January 17th, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky) celebrated his 70th birthday. Just to think, it all began by chance when he was a young boy and someone stole his bike and he reported it to the police. He then told police officer Joe Martin that he wanted to beat up the person who stole his bike, and the officer recommended to the young Cassius Clay to learn how to box, and history was made. He started off as an amateur boxer who won six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, two National Golden Gloves titles, and then went on to the 1960 Olympics in Rome to win the Gold medal in the light heavyweight division. He won his first professional fight on October 29, 1960 against Tunney Hunsaker, who happened to be the police chief of Fayetville, West Virginia. Ali stands 6-ft, 3-in height and is the only heavyweight ever who was able to move around a ring like a middleweight fighter. That is why he always said “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
By 1963 he had an undefeated record of 18-0 when he fought British Heavyweight champion Henry Cooper, and despite being knocked down in the fourth round, Cassius Clay went on to win the fight after it was stopped in the 5th round. The next year he went on to defeat the supposed unbeatable Sonny Liston, who retired in the 6th round, and Cassius Clay became the Heavyweight Champion of the World. This is where he said “I shook up the world.” The next year he fought against Liston again, and knocked him out in the 1st round. The picture of Cassius Clay standing over Liston after the knockout is one of the most famous boxing pictures in history.
Muhammad Ali went on to defeat Ernie Terrell for the WBA World Heavyweight title in 1967. He defended that title and knocked out Zorra Folley in the 7th round. In 1970 he defeated Oscar Bonavena for the NABF Heavyweight Title. In 1971 he lost his heavyweight title to “Smokin” Joe Frazier by decision (15 rounds). He went on to regain the NABF heavyweight title against Jimmy Ellis in 1971 by TKO in the 12th round. He defended that title against Buster Mathis, George Chuvalo, Jerry Quarry, the incredible Floyd Patterson, Bob Foster, and finally lost that title in a split decision in a grueling fight against Ken Norton in 1973. In his fight against Ken Norton, he fought with a broken jaw. Only five months later Ali defeated Norton to regain the NABF title and the next year he beat Joe Frazier by unanimous decision to retain his title. Nine months later he fought “Big” George Foreman in one of the most memorable boxing matches in boxing history, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle.” In this match Ali knocked out the heavy punching Foreman in the 8th round, by using his famous “rope-a-dope” tactic, by leaning against the ropes and letting Foreman tire himself out. He went on to defend the WBC and WBA titles against Chuck Wepner, Ron Lyle, Joe Bugner, Joe Frazier (fight know as the “Thrilla in Manila”), who retired in the 14th round, Jimmy Young, Richard Dunn, Ken Norton, Alfredo Angelista, and Earnie Shavers (Ali and others considered him to be the hardest puncher they had ever faced). Ali then lost his titles to the young Leon Spinks by a split decision in 1978. He miraculously regained the WBA title against Spinks only seven months later. He retired on September 6, 1979 and then came out of retirement to finish his boxing career against WBC heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. His final fight was against Trevor Berbick in 1981.
Muhammad Ali’s professional career spanned from 1960 to 1981 and his boxing record is 56 wins and 5 losses with 37 knockouts. In 1984 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but he still continues to offer his time for philanthropy and his support to many causes. In 1998 he was honored as the United Nations Messenger of Peace. He has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush, among the many awards he has received throughout his life. The Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky is open to the public and it’s mission is to preserve and share the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali.
There are not enough words in this short article to describe “the Greatest,” but it was an honor to meet him when he came to Dallas, Texas, so many years ago. It was one of the most memorable moments in my life and I must share this little story. When I arrived at the Market Hall, where he was, I stood in line and could not believe that I was actually going to get me meet Muhammad Ali. I came prepared with a boxing glove and a small cheap camera to take pictures. When it was my turn to get his autograph, I quickly asked one of the helpers to take my picture with him. While Ali was signing my glove, I maneuvered my way around the table where he was sitting and stood beside him as his helper took the picture. The funny part is, the Champ was not even looking at the camera, because he was too busy signing my glove, and then I was pushed away for the next person in line. So, I waited after all the signings were done, and I followed Ali and his group as they were leaving the back of the hall. I noticed he was taken to the back of the room and went behind some curtains, and I said “I have to take a picture of him.” While nobody was looking I quickly went behind the curtains and noticed he was getting inside a car. I stepped into the alley and I said “Ali,”and the Champ looked at me like “what the heck are you doing there?”…somewhat startled and surprised….and then he gave me the peace sign and I clicked the camera. I must have had the biggest smile on my face as he smiled back. He is truly “the Greatest.”
Photo © Hector Sanchez
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