Muhammad Ali Clays Life and Career A Holistic Perspective.
Without doubt, the name Muhammad Ali has become synonymous with professional boxing. In relation to this, any individual, even those with minimal knowledge of the sport, would be able to quickly point out the iconic status of Muhammad Ali. However, even though it is rather common to hear of his accomplishments throughout his boxing career, it is still a worthwhile endeavor to learn more about The Greatest. In this sense, in this research paper, the humble beginnings of Muhammad Ali would be delineated in sufficient detail. The most important events throughout the early points in his career would be highlighted as well. Since establishing a holistic view of Muhammad Alis life and career is the main focus of this scholarly pursuit, it is then essential to discuss the highlights of his career. Of course, details regarding the occurrences in Alis life after his career would be explained. In particular, such would encompass his health and his most recent and notable public activities. Indeed, gaining a better understanding of Muhammad Ali, as a person and as an athlete, requires a holistic view rather than one that is limited to his career.
Roots and Changes
Before being known in the ring and throughout the world as Muhammad Ali, the great boxer was once referred to as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. such a name was given to him by his parents in 1942, upon being born in Louisville, Kentucky (Schulman, 2005). As one may expect, being born in the aforesaid point in American history is considerably different from existing in modern day society. Specifically, segregating the population according to color or race was still a part of life during the 1940s in addition to such a point of concern, Alis family is also at a disadvantage in terms of financial capability albeit still being able to live a decent and Christ-centered way of life (Schulman, 2005). Interestingly, a certain sequence of events has allowed Ali to witness the sport that he would soon excel in and represent globally. At twelve years of age, Ali was given a bike by his parents as a gift which was stolen during one of his trips to the market realizing the need to report the theft to the police, Ali was suggested to converse with Joe Martin who is both a police officer and a boxing coach (Schulman, 2005). Expectedly, their meeting would be considered as Alis first experiences in the world of boxing. Due to his efforts, he was able to capture a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics prior to even entering a professional career (Schulman, 2005).
Muhammad Alis training and entry into professional boxing was made possible through a combination of dedication and character. As trained by Angelo Dundee, Ali continuously won throughout the early parts of his professional career interestingly, Ali knew gaining the attention of promoters, which he did through predictions and poems, was also necessary if his career would be furthered (Savage, 2007). Eventually, Ali was given the chance to compete against the heavyweight champion and won. In fact, in addition to defeating the champion, Sonny Liston, for the title he also revealed a significant change in his life after the match after having shifted to Islam as his religion, Cassius Clay Jr. became known as Muhammad Ali (Savage, 2007). Of course, such a change was considered as controversial and challenges to his right of being the champion manifested. In response, Ali maintained a firm stance pertaining to his worthiness and also maintained a distinct unwillingness to join the Vietnam War leading to a three year suspension (Savage, 2007).
The Greatest, Fame and Success
After being separated from boxing for years due to his stance about the war, Ali was eventually given the chance to fight once more of course, the changing views of the public regarding the validity and necessity of the Vietnam War was a considerable aid to Ali (Ezra, 2009). As a matter of fact, it would be most appropriate to state that Alis return to boxing has been the vital opportunity throughout his career which established him as a legendary figure in more than one aspect. As noted beforehand, Ali became recognized as a foremost figure in society due to his firm beliefs regarding the war hence, not only did the public perceive Ali in a significantly positive manner but the local government as well as award giving groups recognized Alis character as well (Ezra, 2009). As expected, the growing interest and high regard about Ali also translated into favorable outcomes for his boxing matches. Particularly, the sales of his bouts have never been placed into question. A most notable example of such popularity would be the economic success of his bout against Quarry no longer did the audience view Ali as a boxer but he has also been regarded as a symbol of his African-America descent and a champion of civil rights as proven by his Martin Luther King Award (Ezra, 2009). Despite being regarded as a champion of society, Muhammad Ali still understandably longed to once again be called the heavyweight champion in professional boxing.
Throughout his pursuit to regain the title, Ali fought against Joe Frazier which arguably one of the greatest highlights of his career. Despite being defeated by Frazier in their first bout, the recognition of Alis will and perseverance in addition to the amount of the purse still made him a winner despite the loss, Ali was soon able to regain his title from George Foreman at a championship match in Zaire (Ezra, 2009). While it may seem that regaining the title may have signified as slower pace or progress for Ali and his career, in reality the opposite occurred. Ali and Fraziers third fight in Manila to settle a tie, is considered to be the most historic night in boxing history and arguably has been the highest grossing event for the professional sport as well in which Ali came on top afterwards, losing and regaining the title from Leon Spinks making him a three time champion, Ali retired from boxing (Ezra, 2009). While some may argue that the retirement was short lived, as Ali eventually came back, it must be emphasized that his return was mainly a single bout wherein Ali did not achieve success. Specifically, his comeback fight with Larry Holmes in 1980 was more of an emotional spectacle than a professional endeavor (Ezra, 2009).
Looking Back and Facing the Present
Problems surfaced after Alis boxing career came to a close. The most pressing of such being health related. To further expound, Ali was diagnosed with a neural or brain-based disorder known as Parkinsons Syndrome while alleviating the symptoms and effects of the medical condition, a complete cure has not yet been established (Schulman, 2005). Aside from the aforesaid problem, financial concerns manifested as well. Particularly, Ali had lost a considerable amount of money due to his willingness to give to charity and even more was lost due to failed investments (Schulman, 2005). Regardless, Ali was expectedly able to survive and surmount such challenges through the support of his fourth wife Lonnie Williams. Furthermore, his daughter also gained inspiration from her fathers unparalleled boxing career. Laila Ali, his and Veronica Porsches daughter, became a successful boxer as well, being able to capture a title early in her career (Schulman, 2005). Without doubt, the popularity and acknowledgement of Alis career and pursuits throughout his life continues even after he has retired for decades. To further highlight such a point, it is essential to note that Muhammad Ali has recently been given the Medal of Freedom by then President George Bush in 2005 (New York Times, 2005).
Throughout the discussion, it becomes apparent that Muhammad Ali would not be suitably and fairly represented by his in-ring accomplishments alone. Instead of focusing upon the number of times wherein he fought for the heavyweight title either as a champion or as a challenger, one must realize that Ali is a significant symbol or perseverance and faith, while maintaining a realistic perspective. From Alis firm decision not to support the war to his triumphant return and ensuing global popularity, Ali may be regarded as a symbol of success. Therefore, it really is a rewarding pursuit to holistically look into the life and career of legends such as Ali, as novel realizations and perspectives about an icon may arise.
Roots and Changes
Before being known in the ring and throughout the world as Muhammad Ali, the great boxer was once referred to as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. such a name was given to him by his parents in 1942, upon being born in Louisville, Kentucky (Schulman, 2005). As one may expect, being born in the aforesaid point in American history is considerably different from existing in modern day society. Specifically, segregating the population according to color or race was still a part of life during the 1940s in addition to such a point of concern, Alis family is also at a disadvantage in terms of financial capability albeit still being able to live a decent and Christ-centered way of life (Schulman, 2005). Interestingly, a certain sequence of events has allowed Ali to witness the sport that he would soon excel in and represent globally. At twelve years of age, Ali was given a bike by his parents as a gift which was stolen during one of his trips to the market realizing the need to report the theft to the police, Ali was suggested to converse with Joe Martin who is both a police officer and a boxing coach (Schulman, 2005). Expectedly, their meeting would be considered as Alis first experiences in the world of boxing. Due to his efforts, he was able to capture a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics prior to even entering a professional career (Schulman, 2005).
Muhammad Alis training and entry into professional boxing was made possible through a combination of dedication and character. As trained by Angelo Dundee, Ali continuously won throughout the early parts of his professional career interestingly, Ali knew gaining the attention of promoters, which he did through predictions and poems, was also necessary if his career would be furthered (Savage, 2007). Eventually, Ali was given the chance to compete against the heavyweight champion and won. In fact, in addition to defeating the champion, Sonny Liston, for the title he also revealed a significant change in his life after the match after having shifted to Islam as his religion, Cassius Clay Jr. became known as Muhammad Ali (Savage, 2007). Of course, such a change was considered as controversial and challenges to his right of being the champion manifested. In response, Ali maintained a firm stance pertaining to his worthiness and also maintained a distinct unwillingness to join the Vietnam War leading to a three year suspension (Savage, 2007).
The Greatest, Fame and Success
After being separated from boxing for years due to his stance about the war, Ali was eventually given the chance to fight once more of course, the changing views of the public regarding the validity and necessity of the Vietnam War was a considerable aid to Ali (Ezra, 2009). As a matter of fact, it would be most appropriate to state that Alis return to boxing has been the vital opportunity throughout his career which established him as a legendary figure in more than one aspect. As noted beforehand, Ali became recognized as a foremost figure in society due to his firm beliefs regarding the war hence, not only did the public perceive Ali in a significantly positive manner but the local government as well as award giving groups recognized Alis character as well (Ezra, 2009). As expected, the growing interest and high regard about Ali also translated into favorable outcomes for his boxing matches. Particularly, the sales of his bouts have never been placed into question. A most notable example of such popularity would be the economic success of his bout against Quarry no longer did the audience view Ali as a boxer but he has also been regarded as a symbol of his African-America descent and a champion of civil rights as proven by his Martin Luther King Award (Ezra, 2009). Despite being regarded as a champion of society, Muhammad Ali still understandably longed to once again be called the heavyweight champion in professional boxing.
Throughout his pursuit to regain the title, Ali fought against Joe Frazier which arguably one of the greatest highlights of his career. Despite being defeated by Frazier in their first bout, the recognition of Alis will and perseverance in addition to the amount of the purse still made him a winner despite the loss, Ali was soon able to regain his title from George Foreman at a championship match in Zaire (Ezra, 2009). While it may seem that regaining the title may have signified as slower pace or progress for Ali and his career, in reality the opposite occurred. Ali and Fraziers third fight in Manila to settle a tie, is considered to be the most historic night in boxing history and arguably has been the highest grossing event for the professional sport as well in which Ali came on top afterwards, losing and regaining the title from Leon Spinks making him a three time champion, Ali retired from boxing (Ezra, 2009). While some may argue that the retirement was short lived, as Ali eventually came back, it must be emphasized that his return was mainly a single bout wherein Ali did not achieve success. Specifically, his comeback fight with Larry Holmes in 1980 was more of an emotional spectacle than a professional endeavor (Ezra, 2009).
Looking Back and Facing the Present
Problems surfaced after Alis boxing career came to a close. The most pressing of such being health related. To further expound, Ali was diagnosed with a neural or brain-based disorder known as Parkinsons Syndrome while alleviating the symptoms and effects of the medical condition, a complete cure has not yet been established (Schulman, 2005). Aside from the aforesaid problem, financial concerns manifested as well. Particularly, Ali had lost a considerable amount of money due to his willingness to give to charity and even more was lost due to failed investments (Schulman, 2005). Regardless, Ali was expectedly able to survive and surmount such challenges through the support of his fourth wife Lonnie Williams. Furthermore, his daughter also gained inspiration from her fathers unparalleled boxing career. Laila Ali, his and Veronica Porsches daughter, became a successful boxer as well, being able to capture a title early in her career (Schulman, 2005). Without doubt, the popularity and acknowledgement of Alis career and pursuits throughout his life continues even after he has retired for decades. To further highlight such a point, it is essential to note that Muhammad Ali has recently been given the Medal of Freedom by then President George Bush in 2005 (New York Times, 2005).
Throughout the discussion, it becomes apparent that Muhammad Ali would not be suitably and fairly represented by his in-ring accomplishments alone. Instead of focusing upon the number of times wherein he fought for the heavyweight title either as a champion or as a challenger, one must realize that Ali is a significant symbol or perseverance and faith, while maintaining a realistic perspective. From Alis firm decision not to support the war to his triumphant return and ensuing global popularity, Ali may be regarded as a symbol of success. Therefore, it really is a rewarding pursuit to holistically look into the life and career of legends such as Ali, as novel realizations and perspectives about an icon may arise.
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