Muhammed Ali Analysis Essay Example

Golden Gloves championships, as well as two Amateur Union championships. However, his most impressive accomplishment in his early career was winning the Gold Medal at the Olympic Games in 1960. Competing in the light heavyweight division, Ali later admitted that it was where he perfected his renowned skills of trash-talking his opponents to distract and frustrate them. This strategy proved to be highly effective. After his Olympic victory, Ali returned to Kentucky and signed a lucrative contract (Ali 3).

Despite being ranked ninth, he gained early media attention by confidently boasting about his ability to win the world heavyweight title. Not only was he a young master of the sport, but he also attracted the media with his arrogant yet catchy rhymes. In 1964, he stated to Sports Illustrated that Cassius Clay excels at throwing jive, making him a boxer who can do it better than anyone else. It was in that same year when he would make his initial claim on the title.

The bout took place in February 1964 against defending champion Sonny Liston. The match, held in Miami, Florida, generated significant excitement primarily due to Ali's bragging rhymes and insults toward Liston. This revitalized boxing's prominence in American sporting events. Prior to the match, Ali introduced his rhyming chant, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," which he showcased during the classic bout. During the intense battle with Liston, Ali demonstrated a combination of grace and power that was truly spectacular. Using his agile footwork, he evaded Liston's attacks while landing his own destructive jabs. When the bell rang for the eighth round, Liston remained in his corner, allowing Ali to

claim the title at the age of 22. This marked a blazing start to his remarkable career as the "pretty prince of boxing." In June 1965, Ali was scheduled for a rematch against Liston. However, instead of employing his previous strategy of maneuvering and countering, he chose a different tactic. He delivered a powerful knockout blow in the first round that was so staggering it lifted Liston's left foot off the canvas, demonstrating to the world that he was an extraordinary fighter (Bacho 71). Next on Ali's list was Cleveland Williams.Despite being a sanctioned match for the title, Ali approached it as if it were an exhibition, displaying his iconic Ali Shuffle and employing a nonchalant defense by lowering his hands and swaying to dodge punches. This display of showmanship was even more captivating than his claims of greatness, leaving both the crowd and Williams stunned.

Alis next big test would come on February 6, 1967 against Ernie Terrell, who
held the boxing association championship. This would prove to be a great match for Ali,
as he was fueled by Terrells lack of respect in the prior press conference. The fight
ended with an Ali victory by decision. This was a big accomplishment due to the fact
that it unified boxings greatest titles, and made Ali the undisputed Heavy Weight
Champion of the world.

Although his boxing career was successful, it was Muhammad Ali's personal life that proved to be the most interesting. A meeting with Malcolm X in Miami inspired him to join the nation of black Muslims. As a result, he was formally awarded the Muslim name Muhammad Ali, meaning beloved by Allah. The press was amazed by his political

views and he began to prioritize his religion. He strongly protested against racism, even going as far as throwing his Olympic gold medal into a river after being refused service at a soda fountain. In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ali stated that the gold medal held no value to him if his fellow black Americans were not treated fairly in the country he represented (Ali 2).

Despite his boxing talent, Ali faced widespread backlash from fans when it was revealed that he had joined the Muslim nation. In addition to this controversy, Ali openly expressed his objection to America's involvement in the Vietnam War. He made a press statement where he said, "I have no quarrel with the Vietcong; no Vietcong ever called me 'nigger'." These remarks were seen as unpatriotic by the media and resulted in fans across the country turning against him both inside and outside of the boxing ring. However, despite facing such backlash, Ali remained dedicated to studying and following Malcolm X's religious teachings.

In May of 1967, the Champ faced a critical moment as the selective service called for his draft number, indicating his deployment to Vietnam. Despite being called to get in line, he defiantly refused, resulting in his conviction for disobeying the Selective Service act. He was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment but was later released on appeal. Alongside this legal battle, Ali lost his licensee and Heavyweight title when the National Boxing Association stripped him of them. In an article by Edwin Shrake for Sports Illustrated, Ali expressed his resignation, stating, "I'm giving up my title, my wealth, maybe my future." He acknowledged the trials many

great men have endured due to their religious beliefs and hoped that this test would make him even stronger. The court proceedings were long and financially draining for Ali; as a result, he had limited funds to support his family. Additionally, the Muslim nation withdrew their interest in Ali and his legal matters during these difficult times for the self-proclaimed Greatest. Fortunately, Ali's wife's family helped with living expenses while he used what little remained from his boxing career to pay lawyers' fees. Eventually, in 1970, Ali's conviction was overturned after taking the case to the Supreme Court. Following this victory, Ali worked towards reviving his boxing career and faced Jerry Quarry in his first match. Ali emerged victorious in the third round after delivering a devastating blow that left Quarry unconscious.
After a less significant match against Oscar Bonavena, where Ali knocked out his opponent in the second round, he used this opportunity to prepare for his title fight against Joe Frazier. Referring to Frazier as "Paper Champ," the highly anticipated battle took place in New York City in March of 1971 and became the first installment of a classic war. Despite both fighters being in excellent shape, odds makers favored Frazier who ultimately won the match through a close decision, allowing him to retain the title (Bacho 84).

Ali was granted a rematch after Frazier lost his title to George Foreman. Despite being only for bragging rights, it turned out to be a fierce showdown. These towering athletes traded blows throughout the entire match. Ali proved to be the superior fighter, taking on Frazier's ferocious attacks and countering with his powerful left jab. Ali emerged

as the winner and earned a chance to face George Foreman. To make a statement, Ali arranged for the match to be held in Kinshasa, Zaire. The event was known as The Rumble in the Jungle (Ali 3). Being in the foreign country of Zaire spiritually energized Ali. During his training runs through the village, he became a leader figure to the locals who followed and touched him. They spent three months in Nigeria prior to the fight to promote it further. The fight took place in an outdoor arena in Kinshasa, creating a setting for an epic showdown. George Foreman was favored due to his youth and powerful physique, while Ali was an older but more experienced version of himself. Despite their contrasting fighting styles, this fight would go down in history.In contrast to his previous matches, he implemented a different strategy in this one. In the initial rounds, he positioned himself on the ropes, allowing Foreman to continuously attack him. The flexibility of the ropes aided in absorbing the punches, ultimately exhausting the larger and slower Foreman - which was precisely Ali's intention. Come the seventh round, Ali was prepared to showcase his full range of skills. Utilizing his dangerous left jab, he disengaged from the ropes. By the eighth round, Foreman was too fatigued to mount a counterattack. Ali gracefully maneuvered around the ring, delivering impactful combinations that ultimately knocked Foreman down towards the end of the round. As a result, Ali reclaimed the Heavyweight championship title, becoming only the second man to attain it twice. Once again, he had triumphantly reclaimed his position atop the boxing world.

In September of 1974, Ali

would face off against Joe Frazier for a third and final time. This match was titled the Thrilla in Manilla. The unrelenting Frazier gave Ali a run for his money. Though Fraziers efforts were great, Ali retained his title after Frazier was unable to answer the bell for the final round. Though this was an awesome fight, it would have dismal followings (Bacho 86).

In 1975, Ali faced off against Leon Spinks, a talented boxer but not on the same skill level as Ali. Spinks won by decision and claimed the heavyweight championship. In 1978, Ali challenged Spinks to a rematch for the title. He regained his title and dignity in this rematch. This marked his third and final defense of the Heavyweight Championship, making him the first person to accomplish this feat. At 37 years old, Ali retired from boxing as the champion with a professional record of 59 wins and 3 losses, including 50 knockout victories.

The retired life was lavish but expensive. In 1980, Ali found himself in need of money and returned to the boxing ring. He fought Larry Holmes for the World Boxing Council title and a guaranteed payout of eight million dollars. However, Ali's former skills were not on display as he suffered a defeat by technical knockout in the eleventh round. His last professional fight occurred just one month before his 40th birthday, resulting in a loss to Trevor Berbick by knock out.

A devastating blow came two years later when Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1982. Doctors believed this was caused by repetitive blows to his head during his boxing career.

Despite his illness and retirement, Ali

remained politically active. In February 1985, he played a role in negotiating the release of four kidnapped Americans held captive in Lebanon. Additionally, he held meetings with leaders from the Soviet Union and Africa and established the World Organization for Right, Liberty, and Dignity (WORLD).

In 1996, Muhammad Ali was chosen to light the torch at the Olympic Games in Atlanta (Ali 1). Three years later, he became the first boxer to be featured on the cover of a Wheaties box. These accolades were received after his boxing career. Presently residing in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Ali is currently married to his fourth wife and has nine children from his previous marriages. Khaliah Ali, his eldest daughter, is currently following a career in boxing.

Muhammad had a remarkable career as a boxer, facing many challenges and obstacles. Despite legal issues and religious persecution, he remained positive and hardworking. He achieved more than any other boxer or athlete, living up to his self-proclaimed title of "The Greatest."


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