Source: The Stanley Weston Archive / Getty
Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest” passed away tonight at the age of 74. He had been battling a respiratory condition as well as a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Funeral services are planned in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
Ali, who was born Cassius Clay, was an Olympic gold medal winning boxer (Rome ’60) as well as a 3 time world heavyweight champion (the first to do so). He became the most famous person on the planet by bringing the sport of boxing to casual, and even non-fans. His grace in the ring and his poetry of when and what round he would win fights charmed audiences around the world. His courage in standing up to the federal government during the Vietnam War made him a pariah in the court of public opinion at the time, but would later gain him respect, even as he was stripped of his heavyweight championship and robbed of his prime boxing years and earning potential.
Ali would return to the ring, and in 1971 faced off against Joe Frazier in what was then billed as ‘The Fight Of The Century’ losing by decision in 15 rounds. He would later win two rematches with Frazier, including the infamous “Thrilla In Manilla”. In 1974, a thought to be over the hill Ali would fight the heavily favored George Foreman in “The Rumble In The Jungle” and upset him to win the heavyweight title a 2nd time. After losing the championship to the upstart Leon Spinks, Ali would regain it a then record 3rd time, before finally retiring in 1981.
Ali transcended sports like no other athlete before or since. He met with royalty, heads of states, and the Pope. He lit the Olympic flame at the Atlanta games in 1996, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. He traveled to Lebanon and Iraq to help free American hostages. His impact is immeasurable, and his legend will only continue to grow. He was quite simply, “The Greatest”.
