Boxer, Activist, Icon Muhammad Ali Dies at 74

Muhammad Ali was more than a boxer. Muhammad Ali was an icon in every definition of the word. As the story goes, the legend of Ali began when he got into his first fight as a boy as someone was trying to steal his bike. That moment sparked something in the young Cassius Clay and it turned into a iconic career inside and outside of the boxing ring.

“I’m young; I’m handsome; I’m fast. I can’t possibly be beat.”

Ali was cocky, arrogant, thrilling, controversial, dominant and that’s what made him great. He’s considered by many to be the king of trash talk and he was the first person to truly take centerstage to tell the world how he felt. He traded verbal jabs with legendary sports commentator Howard Cosell, talked at length about anything with Johnny Carson and he wasn’t afraid to stand up to the United States government.

“It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am.”

Ali was an Olympic Gold Medalist and a 3-time heavyweight champion boxer. But there was a time where he was not champion because he was striped of the heavyweight title due to his beliefs. Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali after working with the legendary civil rights activist Malcolm X and he converted to the nation of Islam. Ali didn’t want to fight in Vietnam War, a war that went against his Muslim beliefs and he was striped of the title. Eventually he was able to get back into the ring but not before he was arrested, went to court and even had to pay a fine for ‘draft evasion’.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

While he battled many critics outside of the ring, inside he battled some of the best to ever do it. He went blow for blow with the likes of George Foreman, Larry Holmes and had multiple classics against Ken Norton, Sonny Liston and of course, Joe Frazier.

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see. Now you see me, now you don’t. George thinks he will, but I know he won’t.”

Ali and Frazier’s final fight was the classic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ which took place in the Philippines in October of 1975. His legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ bout back in October of 1974 was against George Foreman in the African country of Zaire. His first big win was his upset victory over Sonny Liston, listed as a 7-1 underdog, it was one of the first big upsets in sports.

Muhammad recorded 22 wins in heavyweight title fights, second all-time to Joe Louis and he won ‘The Ring’ magazine fighter of the year a record five times. Ali is one of the most recognized, beloved and decorated sports figures of the past 100 years. He was named “Sportsman of the Century” by Sports Illustrated and “Sports Personality of the Century” by the BBC. He definetely earned his nickname of ‘The Greatest’.

Sports Illustrated perfectly captured Ali’s greatness inside and outside the ring.

Ali’s final and longest battle was against Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with shortly after he retired in 1981. Despite Ali’s condition he still participated in events like the lighting of the Olympic torch in 1996, being a special guest referee at Wrestlemania 1, helped deliver the first pitch at the 2004 MLB All-Star Game and he even delivered the ball for the ceremonial first pitch to help open the brand new Marlins Stadium in 2012.

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it—then I can achieve it.”

His influence was felt by many and he played a pivotal part in the Civil Rights movement throughout his illustrious career. Memorable figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mike Tyson and Martin Luther King Jr have all listed Ali as inspirations because of how he stood up for his beliefs and doing what he felt was right along with his brashness and bravado. He went all over the world to fight for the people, fight for their rights and protect their liberties. He was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 by former president George W. Bush.

“A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”

Recently, Ali was hospitalized due to a respiratory issue and his condition worsened to the point where he was placed on life support. Late on June 3rd, his family announced he passed away, according to a family spokesman courtesy of ABC News.

“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74. The three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer died this evening,” said family spokesperson Bob Gunnell.

Ali’s funeral will take place in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Gunnell said in the statement, adding “the Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time.”

Ali had been hospitalized for a respiratory issue June 2. At the time, a rep said he was in fair condition.

There is no Mike Tyson without Muhammad Ali, There’s no Floyd Mayweather, there’s no Oscar De La Hoya and the list goes on. Ali inspired many, motivated more and meant a lot to people all over the world. At the end of the day, Ali stood up for his beliefs and always fought back for what he thought was right in life. Even if he was up against the ropes, Ali didn’t stop fighting until he was forced to.

Rest In Peace to the icon, Muhammad Ali.