![]() And, when he felt himself being compromised by the NOI, that same truth compelled him to part ways with the organization. He debated politicians, scholars, students and many others on the basis of the truth about America’s inimical history with its Black citizens. It was truth that led young Clay to embrace The Nation of Islam and change his name to Muhammad Ali. But as he so eloquently predicted, the 19 year-old Ali defeated Sonny Liston and “shook up the world”. Older fighters, fight promoters, fans, and journalists alike maintained that he needed to be put in his place. Declaring his greatness defiantly, he offended the popular sentiment of the silent, agreeable, humble Negro. It was truth that emboldened a young Cassius Clay to dismantle Sonny Liston in 1964 before the two ever stepped in to the ring. RELATED: Appreciation: Why Muhammad Ali Was the Greatest As a result, it was never difficult for Ali to stand for something, because he always stood on truth. But to The Champ, truth was like breathing. The freedom I speak of is rare not many will experience it, most lack the courage to face it, even fewer will recognize it. And though Ali may be remembered for these things, his sense of humor, his arrogance, his confidence, or even his charm, more than any of those things, Muhammad Ali was “free”! A man of conviction, he was more than simply a civil rights activist or an icon of Islam. The Ali I discovered as an adult was much more than a legendary boxing champion. ![]() Ali knocked Liston out in one minute in the first round during their bout at the Central Maine Youth Center in Lewiston, Maine. Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over Sonny Liston and taunts him to get up during their title fight. When they had nothing left to give, Ali would spring to attack and leave his worn out opponent flat on their back. Ali would feign weakness, allowing his opponents attack him, ultimately to punch themselves out. The rope-a-dope was essentially a bait and switch. In my boyish wonder, Ali was larger than life, a superhero straight out of the comic books.Īt the height of his boxing career, Ali was famous for his patented “rope-a-dope” style. Once, he even had a hilarious guest appearance on my favorite television show Diff’rent Strokes. Quick witted and exuding uncontainable charisma, he was a joy to see any time he appeared in a magazine or graced a television screen. ![]() Our fathers and uncles compared every other fighter and athlete to him, he was the prototype. Like most Black boys in the late '70s and '80s, I grew up idolizing Muhammad Ali. They make it easier to process Ali’s transition, because for me Ali has always been a living, breathing example of truth, and even more, freedom. After explaining my predicament to him, he looked at me squarely and said, “The truth ain’t always easy, but it will always set you free.”Īs I think about Muhammad Ali’s impact and legacy, the words from my friend ring true again. Once, during a particularly difficult time in my life, I sought the counsel of a friend.
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