Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali is a man who has been devoted to making the world a better place for all people since he became a boxer in 1960. From his childhood, Cassius had a dream of becoming a heavyweight champion. It wasn’t until his bike was stolen however, that he actually was thrust into the boxing scene. Throughout the years, it is said that he brought a great deal of speed and grace to the sport. Ali was considered the greatest and after a record breaking and history making career, he proved he was.

Ever the loud-mouthed and opinionated one, Ali was also active in the Civil Rights movement as he used his power and fame to support social change. Originally born as Cassius Clay, he decided to become a Black Muslim and change his name to Muhammad Ali, believing his birth name was his ‘slave name’. This generated a surge in black pride throughout America in times of high racism. In 1972, Ali was drafted into the army but because of his religious beliefs, refused to go.

Muhammad Ali was more than just an inspiration in the field of boxing. He has helped people in need by daring to go against political policy and traveling to Afghanistan and North Korea where he delivered some greatly needed medical supplies. He also traveled to many places around the world such as Mexico, Indonesia, and Morocco, to hand deliver food and medical supplies. Ali is also devoted to charities in the United States. He has visited many soup kitchens and hospitals and works closely with the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and the Special Olympics. An advocator of new laws, Muhammad Ali has worked to protect children as well as professional boxers.

The real fight for Ali, however, was when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1982. In 2005, Ali opened the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Here, his memorabilia is shown as well as themes that focus on peace, social responsibility, respect, and personal growth. Ali currently lives in Berrien Springs, Michigan with his wife and manager, Yolanda. Forever dedicated to making the world a better place, Muhammad Ali will be remembered as a legend through his life as a humanitarian, political activist, and an exceptional boxer.