2008 Woodie Awards
Black History Month
Cassius Clay, a.k.a. Mohammed Ali
Bryce Summers
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Big Red Sports
One of the greatest and best-known sports figures in the world turned sixty-six this year. Cassius Clay, a.k.a. Muhammad Ali, was born on January 17, 1942. Ali spent his early years in his hometown of Louisville Kentucky, as a successful amateur boxer. He capped his amateur career in the 1960 Olympic Games, winning the light-heavyweight gold medal. Following the Games, Ali ended his amateur career with a record of one hundred wins with just five losses.
Ali's professional career began very successfully as well. From his first fight in 1960, he was undefeated until 1971. On Feb. 25, 1964, Ali (then still known as Cassius Clay) faced Sonny Liston in his first fight for the heavyweight title. Liston failed to answer the bell in the seventh round of the fight, and Ali was proclaimed the heavyweight champion of the world. Shortly after his victory, Ali revealed that he was a member of the Nation of Islam, along with other prominent black men such as Malcolm X. As a member of the Nation of Islam, Cassius Clay was granted the name Muhammad Ali in March of 1964.
As a member of the Islamic faith, Ali stood as a conscientious objector of the Vietnam War. In April of 1967, he refused to step forward and be drafted into the Army. That same day, he was stripped of his boxing license and heavyweight title. Not until 1970 was Ali allowed to fight again. In 1974, Ali faced George Foreman in the famed "Rumble in the Jungle" for the heavyweight title. Despite being the underdog, Ali dropped Foreman in the eighth round to regain the title. Ali finally retired for good in 1981.
Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century. But he has not stopped there. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, Ali has become a well-known and beloved public figure. According to his web-site, "Since he retired from boxing, Ali has devoted himself to humanitarian endeavors around the globe. He is a devout Muslim, and travels the world over, lending his name and presence to hunger and poverty relief, supporting education efforts of all kinds, promoting adoption and encouraging people to respect and better understand one another. It is estimated that he has helped to provide more than 22 million meals to feed the hungry. Ali travels, on average, more than 200 days per year."
More than just a sportsman and a boxer, Muhammad Ali has used his fame for a cause. He has widely become a symbol of peace, respect and social responsibility. Ali is a testament to the American spirit, and is one of the most recognized Americans in the world.
Ali's professional career began very successfully as well. From his first fight in 1960, he was undefeated until 1971. On Feb. 25, 1964, Ali (then still known as Cassius Clay) faced Sonny Liston in his first fight for the heavyweight title. Liston failed to answer the bell in the seventh round of the fight, and Ali was proclaimed the heavyweight champion of the world. Shortly after his victory, Ali revealed that he was a member of the Nation of Islam, along with other prominent black men such as Malcolm X. As a member of the Nation of Islam, Cassius Clay was granted the name Muhammad Ali in March of 1964.
As a member of the Islamic faith, Ali stood as a conscientious objector of the Vietnam War. In April of 1967, he refused to step forward and be drafted into the Army. That same day, he was stripped of his boxing license and heavyweight title. Not until 1970 was Ali allowed to fight again. In 1974, Ali faced George Foreman in the famed "Rumble in the Jungle" for the heavyweight title. Despite being the underdog, Ali dropped Foreman in the eighth round to regain the title. Ali finally retired for good in 1981.
Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century. But he has not stopped there. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, Ali has become a well-known and beloved public figure. According to his web-site, "Since he retired from boxing, Ali has devoted himself to humanitarian endeavors around the globe. He is a devout Muslim, and travels the world over, lending his name and presence to hunger and poverty relief, supporting education efforts of all kinds, promoting adoption and encouraging people to respect and better understand one another. It is estimated that he has helped to provide more than 22 million meals to feed the hungry. Ali travels, on average, more than 200 days per year."
More than just a sportsman and a boxer, Muhammad Ali has used his fame for a cause. He has widely become a symbol of peace, respect and social responsibility. Ali is a testament to the American spirit, and is one of the most recognized Americans in the world.
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