Muhammad Ali was raised Cassius Clay in a small home in Louisville, Kentucky. From those humble beginnings neither he nor any observer at that time could have fathomed the path he would carve through life. A Golden Gloves champion at age 17, an Olympic gold medal at age 18, and an undefeated heavyweight champion at age 22.
Spurred by the theft of his prized new bicycle, he was out to get the person responsible. Ali was venting his anger at the local gym, when the perceptive policeman Joe Martin admonished, “You better learn to box first.” And box he did. Within a week he had his first match and first win. This feisty 89-pound young man was ready to take on the world. And before his career in the ring ended, the world would know his name as the man crowned heavyweight champion three times—the greatest.
Yet, his greatest fight has not been in the ring. Ironically, after beating the world’s toughest opponents, it was Parkinson’s disease that would prove to be his greatest foe. But in true Ali style, he met this challenge head on. Instead of shrinking from this difficulty he has stepped onto the world stage once more as a champion. His tireless work raising money to fight this debilitating disease has inspired thousands and endeared him to a new generation of admirers around the world. As he was in the ring, he remains in our eyes—the greatest.
Your Comments
This site is really doing a great job, keep it up. I wish this site's work will go on forever.
Posted 4 months ago by Kirthishri M. V. from Bangalore, India
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee!!!
Posted 10 months ago by Doanldo O. Pena from BHHS
This billboard is very correct. Discrimination and racism was a huge problem in a lot of African Americans lives and I'm very proud of him for sucking it up and doing what he loves even with all of the problems he faces.
Posted 11 months ago by Christy B. from Your Mom
I am glad that the people of the United States are starting to recognizing it's citizens as to what they truly are, color and beliefs aside - 'Americans'! No longer am I separated from others by race or creed or ethnicity. Pride only touches the surface of an emotion I have for knowing that this beautiful person is my 'brother.'
Posted about 1 year ago by Eric A. from Colorado Springs, Colorado
Only the greatest could inspire and encourage as he has done from a humble beginning to overcoming everything that has gotten in his way- not backing down but going forward taking all that he experienced in life to make him what he has become. Truly and inspiration to the world.
Posted about 1 year ago by Mark M. from Fort Payne, AL
I grew up in a prejudice household which could not, and chose not to understand Ali. Now that I have witnessed the type of man he is, I am ashamed. He is a great man that deserves nothing but respect.
Posted about 1 year ago by Terry from Arizona
I also remember when Ali was the one who received the Olympic torch last and lit the flame at a recent Olympics. He indeed symbolizes greatness and is one among many great examples worth following presented here. Ordinary human beings who did extraordinary things.
Posted about 1 year ago by Robert R. from Los Angeles, CA
Ali's life as taught me that all things are possible, and not everyone will believe me; so I just continue to believe in myself.
Posted about 1 year ago by Deborah A. from Fort Worth, TX
This site is so inspirational.
Posted over 2 years ago by William L. from Burnt Hills, New York USA
Over six billion people are on this planet but individual paths guide us all.
Posted over 2 years ago by George S. from Kansas City, MO
Can I just say, this site is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!
Posted over 2 years ago by from
He showed incredible courage opposing the unjust war in Vietnam. A true American hero.
Posted over 2 years ago by David K. from New York
His biggest fight is his battle with Parkinson's disease. The greatest fight he will have to endure in his lifetime!
Posted over 2 years ago by Mel M. from Philippines
Truly encouraging; someone to emulate.
Posted over 2 years ago by Christopher A. from Dublin, Ireland
Courage is everything.
Posted over 2 years ago by Manasa M. from Nigeria
Beautifully and intelligently done, with heart. Inspiring. Thank you!
Posted over 2 years ago by Ellen K. from Massachusetts, USA
He is a very good example for more generations to come. His story comply with the story of the ant, never tired of trying and re-trying to be on TOP scale.
Posted over 2 years ago by Mdowsar from Syria
It tells me why I should have confidence and courage in life despite the challenges I encounter.
Posted over 2 years ago by Muthama S from Kikima, Kenya
Ali is The Greatest - more because of life outside the ring than in - we may never know the many acts of kindness he performed
Posted over 2 years ago by Tom E from Sacramento, California USA
I like it
Posted over 2 years ago by Sara from Bahrain
Perfect! Very Very nice work!
Posted over 2 years ago by Dimitris V from Greece
amazing...
Posted over 2 years ago by Tugay Tunaboylu from
The greatest of them all...
Posted over 2 years ago by YF from London
really inspiring....these little stories charge u up when u r at the ebb of life!!!
Posted over 2 years ago by from