 photo by Fausto |
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. What's my name? Muhammad Ali!" Since the day that young Cassius Clay pulled off one of the greatest upsets in heavyweight history defeating Sonny Liston, to the modern day Muhammad Ali that is waging a war against Parkinsons disease, Muhammad Ali has become a legend. He was more than just a boxer, he was a showman - the king of the rope-a-dope. The man with the best footwork of any heavyweight ever according to many. He was a political activist, one of the most recognized names and faces on the planet, and a global icon and ambassador of goodwill.
Ali may not have ended his career with a perfect record, and he may not have dodged the deadly association with Don King so many fighters of the day fell into robbing him of millions, but he will always be regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all-time in any weight class. During the 1970's it was impossible to escape the reach Ali with the highest profile fights, a Saturday morning cartoon, a G.I. Joe sized doll that had a furious jab, and the status of one of the most in demand celebrities on the talk show circuit. Today, Ali travels the world spreading the word on peace, love, and tolerance with his smile even though he has lost much of his ability to speak.
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