Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing. He was a championship boxer. He had won the heavyweight title three times. He was 6 foot 3. When Muhammad Ali was born, his name was not Muhammad Ali, his name was Cassius Clay. Cassius was born on January 17, 1942.

Muhammad Ali had many great achievements. One great achievement of Ali was when he traveled to Baghdad on November of 1990. No one could get Saddam to release any hostages. But, when Ali got there, he persuaded Saddam to let 15 hostages go. I think that was one of his biggest achievements. He only suffered 5 losses with a record of 56 wins and 5 losses. 37 of the 56 wins were knockouts. His rivals were Joe Frazier and George Foremen who he beat by knockout to win the world heavyweight title for the second time. The first title he went after was against Sonny Liston. Liston tried to cheat by putting a substance on his gloves that would temporarily blind Ali. But, after a few rounds when Ali got his sight back, he pounded Liston. Then, in the 7th round Liston complained of an injured shoulder and the fight was stopped. They had a re-match in 1965 where Ali won by knockout in the first round. Ali obtained his first professional loss in 1971 against Joe Frazier. But, when Ali re-matched him for no title, he beat him and went on for the title. He would fight George Foremen who had beat Frazier for the title. Ali beat Foremen. He again boxed Frazier for the third time. The fight was stopped in the 15th round because Frazier's eyes were swollen shut and he could not see. Ali was inarguably one of the best boxers ever.

Ali's biggest obstacle was Parkinson's Syndrome. He obtained things like a slurred speech or not being able to walk straight. These things ruined Ali's professional boxing career. He was taking numerous medicines. He was forced to retire. After his retirement he still lived his life. He was invited to occasional events like an AFL football game. He was invited by Anthony Pratt. He also produced a special ceremony for the BBC sports best personality of the year award. He was then voted for the best personality of the century. There was also a movie that was made in honor of Ali. Will Smith played the part of Muhammad Ali. This movie was an academy award nominee. There was nothing Ali could do about this disease but he lived his life to the fullest.

I learned that anything is possible. You have to work your hardest no matter what. If you do, you could end up in places like Ali. I also learned to live my life to the fullest. If you want a goal, go for it and do not give up. No matter what's in your way, keep going. You never know when it could be to late. I think Ali is a great role model and for ever will be. Any boxer has the risk of obtaining this disease because of head trauma. He did the best job he could with the disease.

Overall, Muhammad Ali is "The Greatest", "The Champ", "The Louisville Lip". His famous quote was "Float like a butterfly sting like a bee." I think he is a famous boxer to many people including me. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest boxers. He's "The Champ" of boxing.