Throughout the 1970ís, many issues faced society. Some of the biggest were race, war, and sports. Well that was ALL combined into one special athlete: Cassius Clay. As the decade progressed this young athlete did not have to deal with just the screaming fans, but with him being black, and with him being Muslim. He had to deal with being kicked out of the boxing ring and still keeping up the fame. And most of all, he had to deal with this as a teenager. He started his boxing career at age twelve, and within four years he had won his first light-heavyweight championship at the Olympics. As his fame progressed and grew, he became one of the worlds most famous athlete and remains holding this title today.
Cassius Clay was born January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. His dad painted signs and murals, his mother worked as a domestic servant, and he was a janitor at the nearby college. He started to box when he was twelve years old. After that his whole career took off, and his life too, because his boxing career was the key to everything. In 1960, he won the light heavyweight championship. In 1964-67, 1974-78, 1978-79 he was the three-time world heavyweight champ. He defeated Sonny Liston in 1964, George Foreman in 1974, and Leon Spinks in 1978 for the title. Between 1971-1975, he fought Joe Frazier and won twice. Along with all of this commotion, he adopted the Black Muslim faith in 1964 and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. After refusal to join the U.S. Army in the 1967 draft, he was stripped of his title, but the verdict was reversed in 1971. Finally he lit the flaming cauldron to signal the beginning of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. As he continued to dominate the ring, he learned the moral issues of boxing and the life that comes with it.
Cassius Clay was not only a fighter inside the ring, but also outside. After Cassius Clay adopted the Black Muslim faith and changed his name, controversy aroused. Not only was religion a big part of society, but the Vietnam War was just in its beginnings, and the draft was rearing up. In 1967, Muhammad Ali was ordered to join the U.S. Army. After refusing such orders, his title was stripped from him and he so was his license to fight. After further refusal, the U.S. revoked Aliís passport, preventing him from fighting abroad. Finally in 1967, s federal court found Muhammad Ali guilty of violating the Selective Service Act. He was fined $10,000 and sentenced five years in prison, however he never went to jail because of the appeals brought about by his lawyers. Because Ali was unable to dominate the ring, he had to find other activities to keep up his fame. He spoke at schools, peace rallies, and Muslim gatherings. He starred in a short-lived Broadway musical, Buck White, in 1969. At last the Supreme Court reversed his sentence on June 20, 1970. After that, it only took four months for Ali to get back in the ring. Ali remained one of the greatest American athletes throughout that tragic break. He did this by showing America that he wasnít just a boxer. He was capable at many things and he was a shining star at each and everyone of him. Sure America knows him best for his boxing, but he is also known for his public speaking, his new religion, and even his movie career. As his boxing career continued, he learned that he could do whatever he wanted to do and he wasnít restricted to JUST boxing.
Muhammad Ali is known best for his boxing, but for many other
things too. He is an important aspect of our society because
he shows you that you can be great at one thing, but try many
others. Muhammad Ali also ruled the ring while facing racial
discrimination. Growing up as a kid who didnít have much,
he is ending his life with a bang; hold many boxing titles including
several heavyweight championships. Along with the actual trophies,
he holds a special place in some people hearts. For boxing lovers
of the 1970ís, he gave them the time of their lives. Watching
the young boxer become a world champion is something that will
never be forgotten. Muhammad Ali transformed the sport of boxing.
With his special technique of getting the opponent tired by making
quick dodges and side punches, to his short movie career, Muhammad
Ali is the perfect example of a summary of the 1970ís.
He dealt with war, government, sports, entertainment, religion,
and racial discrimination. As I continue to learn about my decade
and other things, I think I will always remember Cassius Clay,
the boy who became a star.
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