Muhammad Ali is the "Quintessential American." In his stand for religious and racial freedom, for his humility, generosity, braggadocio, deep and abiding physical and mental courage, though always larger than life – Ali exhibited many typical and deep-rooted He struck a number of positively resonant notes in the American psyche,that make him now a revered person (Walter). Muhammad Ali is a widely knownperson, not only for being one of the all-time greatest fighters in history, but also forbeing one of the most prominent and influential persons of the twentieth century. Muhammad Ali was not always called by that name, born on January 17, 1942 inLouisville Kentucky, named after his father, Cassius Clay. Twelve year old Cassius wasturned on to boxing after his brand-new bike was stolen at an annual Black bazaar calledThe Louisville Home Show; Joe Martin, a policeman who taught young boys how to box,was in the basement of that event. Cassius complained to him that he was going to beatthe person who stole his bike and Officer Martin decided to push the frustrated youngstertowards boxing. Six weeks later Cassius would win a three minute, three round splitdecision in his very first match (Ehrmann). Muhammad’s had two very special things about him; his boxing skills and hisability to move and motivate people and the power to stand up for what he believed in. Cassius Clay fought Sonny Liston and won, becoming the new World HeavyweightChampion and two days later shocked the world again by announcing that he had joinedthe Nation of Islam, becoming Muhammad Ali.1964 was a big year for Muhammad Ali, after becoming World Champ andchanging his religion and his name, he was quickly becoming the most recognizable andthe most outspoken athlete in the world. Americans, at this point, were not to fond ofAli. They continued to call him Cassius Clay and rooted for him to lose in upcomingmatches, but Ali continued to be unstoppable in the...
