Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay)

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay ( Louisville (Kentucky) , January 17th 1942 ), nicknamed The Greatest of Louisville Lip, is a former Americanboxer . Ali was the sports magazine Sports Illustrated named Sportsman of the Century. He was three times world champion in the heavyweight and won a gold medal in the light heavyweight in the Olympics of 1960 in Rome . Ali is regarded by many as the best heavyweight boxer.

Ali was named after his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay senior (which in turn was named after the abolitionist and politician Cassius Clay). Ali changed his name after he joined the Nation of Islam, an established US separatist religious and sociopolitical organization. Later, in 1975, he converted to the main movement within Islam : the Sunni .

Ali fought a total of 61 professional parties, of which he won 56 (37 by knockout ) and 5 lost (by: Joe Frazier , Ken Norton , Leon Spinks , Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick ).



Content
*1 Biography  ==[Biography  edit ] == ===His early boxing career [  edit ] === With a length of 1.91 m Ali had an unorthodox boxing style and beautiful for a heavyweight. Instead of the usual high coverage to protect the face, Ali kept his hands low and he relied on his ability to dodge punches. On 29 October 1960, Ali won his first professional fight. In six rounds he won Tunney Hunsaker, a police chief from Fayetteville (West Virginia) . From 1960-63 the young boxer won all his 19 games, including 15 in knockout. He defeated names likeTony Esperti , Jim Robinson , Donnie Fleeman , Alonzo Johnson , George Logan , Willi Besmanoff , Lamar Clark (who had won the previous 40 fights by knockout), Doug Jones and Henry Cooper . Furthermore, Ali won by Sonny Banks (who he went down), Alejandro Lavorante and the aged Archie Moore (a boxing legend that boxed more than 200 games and had before Angelo Dundee was Clay's trainer).
 * 1.1 His early boxing career
 * 1.2 First title fight: Ali against Liston
 * 1.3 Cassius Marcellus Clay is Muhammad Ali
 * 1.4 Ali against Liston: the rematch
 * 1.5 Vietnam interrupts Ali's career
 * 1.6 The comeback
 * 1.6.1 The Fight of the Century: Ali against Frazier
 * 1.6.2 Frazier-Ali Part II
 * 1.6.3 The Rumble in the Jungle: Ali against Foreman
 * 1.6.4 The Thrilla in Manila: Ali against Frazier
 * 1.7 His second comeback
 * 2 Ali's legacy
 * 3 After his retirement
 * 4 Personal life
 * 5 Singer

Ali's victory was disputed in the tenth round against Doug Jones, even though Jones was lighter than Ali brought him after the bell had sounded for the first round shaken with a right punch. Jones continued to harass Ali during the fight with punches. The fight went into the books as the "Battle of the Year" in 1963 . Ali's next fight was against Henry Cooper . Cooper hit Ali by the end of the fourth lap with a left hook. The fight was stopped in the fifth round due to a deep cut in Coopers face.

Despite the narrow and dubious victories against Doug Jones and Henry Cooper Ali was the main candidate for a title fight against reigning champion Sonny Liston . Despite Ali's impressive record was not expected that he would beat the champion. The fight was on February 25 1964 in Miami , Florida place. During the weigh-in, the day before the fight, defied the ever combative Ali Liston in the run-up to the fight with him, among other things called "the big ugly bear", proclaiming that he would "move like a butterfly and stabbing as a in "(float like a butterfly and sting like a bee) and, in an attempt strategy to summarize Listons attacks out of the way, said:" Your hands can not hit what your eyes can not see. " ===First title fight: Ali against Liston [  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Sonny Liston was world champion in the heavyweight, after Floyd Patterson in 1962 through a knockout in the first round had been dethroned. Because Listons hard knocks other heavyweights were not eager to challenge the champion. Liston was classified as a timid person who smiled little and the press was not happy to help. Ali on the other hand was a 22-year-old much talker who kept his place in the spotlight. Ali had already won a gold medal at the Games of Rome, had fast hands and a lot of confidence. Nevertheless, he was knocked down four years earlier against Sonny Banks and Henry Cooper. Few believed in a victory for Ali and the bookies he was listed as the 7-1 underdog.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali started the party with a clear battle plan. Liston thought, following one during the weigh in Ali measured heart rate of 120 beats per minute, Ali was nervous and was planning to make a quick end to the fight. Liston was not prepared for a long fight. In the opening rounds Ali remained with its speed from the vicinity of the hardstotende Liston and used his height advantage to hit Liston direct punches. Ali was hit several times, but answered Listons punches with quick combinations. In the third round hit Ali Liston with several combinations, which resulted in a swelling under Listons right eye and a cut under his left eye. In the fourth round Ali ran off after the bell on Liston, but went back to his corner and complained to his trainer Angelo Dundee that his eyes were burning and he could see nothing. It has been suggested that this was a substance which was used to stop bleeding Listons, or whether this substance was used on Listons gloves, but this theory has never been confirmed.Beginning fifth round sent Dundee Ali avoid the ring with the command to stay away from Liston and his heavy punches. Ali survived the fifth round, and in the sixth round he controlled the game again.In this round he placed seemingly effortless many combinations on the face of Liston. After the sixth round against Liston told his corner that he could not go, he complained of a shoulder injury. When the bell for the seventh round was not Liston came out of his corner and gave as his defeat. Himself wrote aware history, Ali jumped into the middle of the ring, made a victory dance and walked to the ropes where the press was seated. Many had doubted Clays chances to beat the dreaded Liston. Ali called to them, "I am the best" and "I will astonish the world." ===Cassius Marcellus Clay is <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);"><span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[Muhammad  Ali <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">]  === Ali Elijah Muhammad<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Unless the new World Heavyweight, Ali was known for other reasons. He revealed to be a member of the Nation of Islam (which at the time was referred to as Black Muslims) and Malcolm X christened Cassius Clay to Cassius X in which he his name, as a symbol of slavery from his parents, rejected. Malcolm X and other members of the Nation of Islam, Ali had gone herein. On Friday, March 6, 1964 was Malcolm X announced that Clay his 'X' would be granted.Elijah Muhammad , the former leader of the Nation of Islam , the same evening took a telephone statement, which would be the radio broadcast in which he announced Clay made ​​now if Mohammed (the Prophet of Islam) Ali (the fourth Caliph ) would go through life. Only a few journalists ( Howard Cosell as premier) accepted it at the time. His new name symbolized his new identity as a member of the Nation of Islam. ===Ali against Liston: the rematch <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Given the strange end of their first fight boxing authorities announced a second fight, but now with Ali as defending champions and the challenger Liston.The contest would take place in November 1964, but Ali had emergency surgery on a hernia suffered. The fight was postponed and would be in Boston ,Massachusetts place. However, the promoters had no license for the state of Massachusetts and the battle was in a small hall in Lewiston , Maine and place it on May 25, 1965 . The relocation of the fight from Boston to the more than 200 km away Lewiston, only 2434 fans attended the show at a record low in terms of number of spectators at a world title fight.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The fight would be one of the most controversial in history. Halfway through the first round, Liston went to the canvas, after what many see as an illegitimate knockdown aanmerkten. Referee Jersey Joe Walcott, himself a former champion in the heavyweight, was troubled after he ordered Ali to his corner and it ignored the instruction and over Liston bow and gave it to stand up and then put his hands in the air to the To celebrate knockdown. Walcott allowed himself twenty seconds to think. Nat Fleischer, publisher of the magazine Ring Magazine, which warned Walcott Liston was already twenty seconds on the canvas and Walcott finished the fight and Ali knew a win by a knockout in the first round to.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The second Ali-Liston party became known as "the phantom punch fight" (the phantom blow-fight). Most of the ring seated spectators had hit that Ali knocked out Liston hit not seen. Evil tongues even claim that Liston had bet against himself because of his mafia money would be guilty; Therefore, at least according to those who hold this theory, Liston went down intentionally. On replays in slow motion is good to see that Ali Liston went right for them to hit the ground with a right punch, which arrived the harder because Liston came in on Ali. The repetition also shows that Liston after he got up reeling and made an impression absent.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Although Ali is considered by many fans and experts as the best (heavyweight) boxer of all time, there are many who wonder at the outcome of the second Ali-Liston title match. Writer Mark Kramwrites in his book Ghosts of Manila, where he Liston years after the fight interviews that Liston went down deliberately for fear of reprisals from the Nation of Islam. The latter has many reasons to be classified as doubtful. So Kram was a staunch opponent of Ali and he wrote the book not least to the high esteem in which to undermine everyone had to Ali. Kram was receptive to any statement or declaration which supported his negative attitude towards Ali. Additionally Liston claimed never to have been touched and Kram knew or should have known, that that assertion was incorrect, because what can be said about the match, Ali Liston had indeed hit. ===Vietnam interrupts Ali's career <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 1964, Ali was declared unfit for military service, his writing and playing skills were substandard. In early 1966, approval was revised and Ali was found fit for military service. He declined to US forces in the Vietnam War to serve as his personal beliefs are not fitted with the phenomenon of war. Ali said that "War against the teachings of the Holy Koran is. I try not to circumvent my service. We are not expected to participate in a war part, except when called to do so by Allah and the Holy Prophet. We do not take part in a Christian war or any war of infidels whatsoever. " Ali did not feel called upon when reference was made ​​to him as Cassius Clay, this he followed the instructions of his mentors from the Nation of Islam to give to ignore the slave name that was given by whites to his ancestors.This led to many controversy. Ali was not allowed to fight in the US and was forced for most of 1966 to accept mere overseas fighting.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">His second match against Liston in May 1965 to his latest title defense against Zora Folley in March 1967, Ali had defended his title nine times. Few other heavyweight champions defended their title so many times in such a short time.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali was on March 29, 1966 in Toronto against WBA -kampioen Ernie Terrell come after it had retired he won the fight against deputy George Chuvala after 15 laps on a jury decision. He went toEngland and defeated Henry Cooper and Brian London after both had to stop the fight due to injuries. Ali's next title fight was against the German Karl Mildenberger, the first German since Max Schmeling fought for the title. Ali stopped his opponent after one of the toughest fights of his career, in the twelfth lap.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali returned to the US in November and fought against Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams in the Houston Astrodome . Eighteen months before the fight was Williams from short range shot in the stomach by aTexan police officer. As a result, Williams was missing one kidney, small intestine and three meters he had a shriveled left leg due to nerve damage. Ali beat Williams in three rounds.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">On February 6, 1967, Ali fought Terrel what the book is entered as one of the nastiest fights in boxing history. Terrel had angered Ali by calling him Clay, and the champion vowed to punish him for this insult. During the fight, Ali kept his opponent shout "What is my name, Uncle Tom ... What is my name? " Terrel underwent a fifteen-lap beating and lost 13 of the 15 rounds according to two jurors, but Ali did not hit him knockout. Many claim that Ali Terrel hit intentionally not knock out and preferred to Terrel continue to punish. After the fight Tex Maula wrote that it had been a beautiful boxing demonstration and a barbarous display of cruelty.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali's refusal of military service and his membership in the Nation of Islam made him the center of many discussions and took the outspoken and popular champion one of the most recognizable and controversial figures of an era. Ali appeared alongside Elijah Muhammed at meetings of the Nation of Islam and showed himself faithful to him, while most of America at that moment followed with suspicion. Many responded indignantly here. Ali raised the aggrieved responses by speaking out openly for separatism.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">End of 1967, Ali was stripped of his title and banned him to come over the next three years as a professional boxer in action. He was also convicted for his refusal of military service and was sentenced to five years in prison. During his years of exile, Ali fought his conviction on. He continued to seek attention and tried to gain support by keeping speeches on campuses who were against the Vietnam War. In that period he was supported financially by Joe Frazier, who raise at that time also when US President Nixon insisted on the sentence against Ali.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 1970 Ali was allowed to fight again and the US Supreme Court turned his conviction. ===The comeback <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 1970, Ali finally get a boxing license back. With the help of a senator he got a license in Georgia, the only state without a boxing commission to fight. In October 1970 he stopped Jerry Quary off, which could not continue the fight due to a cut after three rounds. Shortly after this battle the New York Supreme Court concluded that Ali unlawful a boxing license was withheld. Now Ali was again able in New York City to fight he fought in November 1970 at the Madison Square Arena against Oscar Bonavena . After fourteen rounds of heavy Ali stopped Bonavena in the fifteenth lap, opening the way to a title fight against Joe Frazier was open. ====The Fight of the Century: Ali against Frazier <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] ==== <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">On March 8, 1971 Ali and Frazier fought each other in what went into the books as The Fight of the Century . Both boxers were undefeated at the time. The champion Joe Frazier, had won 23 of his 26 fights by knockout; the challenger, Ali, had 26 of his 31 fights by knockout wins. The fight took place at Madison Square Garden, New York.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The first fight between Ali and Frazier could count on massive media attention. Both fighters were a topic of discussion in numerous magazines and TV programs. The boxers were each promised $ 2.5 million, then a record for a single game.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The battle became symbolic in the US Ali, public opponent of the Vietnam War, was the symbol of someone who kicked against the established order. Frazier (who in his autobiography said that although he his paternity is not in the war he fought when he would be recruited, would have no problem with serving his country, because he had a lot to thank here) became the symbol of conservative America.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Many boxing fans felt that Ali's speed and skill Frazier would have a chance, while others thought that momentum Frazier and Ali's long absence would be decisive. On the night of the fight, riots broke out in many US cities, including Chicago, where a theater was almost completely demolished when visitors found out that they could not see on the public channel the race.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">On the night of the fight hung a theatrical atmosphere in Madison Square Garden, with hordes of policemen had to keep onlookers at bay excessive attired fans and numerous celebrities, from Norman Mailer and Woody Allen to Frank Sinatra, which for Life pictures of the battle took. Artist Leroy Neiman portrayed the two fighting cocks during their fight. The legendary ring announcer Don Dunpheyand actor and boxing enthusiast Burt Lancaster did report for the millions who watched the fight on TV.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali dominated the first three rounds and treated the smaller Frazier on some immediate stinging punches that did swell the face of the champion. In the fourth round Frazier took the helm. With his famous left hand he defied Ali and put him up against the ropes to hit him hard on the body. The battle continued into the eleventh round standoff, Frazier had Ali pushed into a corner and hit him with a crushing left corner that nearly floored Ali and hung him in the ropes. Ali survived the round, but from then Frazier seemed to have the upper hand. Ali tried three rounds to fight back, but Frazier was clearly ahead on points. Early in the fifteenth round Frazier planted a spectacular left-hand corner on the face of the challenger Ali did go down. It was only the third time Ali went down in a fight. Ali, whose right jaw had assumed grotesque forms, was quickly on the leg but aback. Despite some striking matches Frazier Ali survived the round. After a few minutes followed the unanimous jury decision: Frazier retained his world. It was Ali's first loss in a pro race.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali appeared during the fight a little rusty. [https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=nl&u=https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Bronvermelding&usg=ALkJrhgBuoEytY-tBl-jx-JLT7IWBJxWCA#Bron_gevraagd <sup class="noprint nopopups" style="line-height:1;">[source? ]] From lap six he looked tired and although he made ​​a few combinations, he could not maintain the pace of the first three rounds. [https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=nl&u=https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Bronvermelding&usg=ALkJrhgBuoEytY-tBl-jx-JLT7IWBJxWCA#Bron_gevraagd <sup class="noprint nopopups" style="line-height:1;">[source? ]]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 1973, Ali had a number of times in the ring against another heavyweight boxers to enforce a new fight with Frazier. One of the fights was in Jakarta against Rudie Lubbers ; Dutchman lost on points.In the same series Ali struck twice Ken Norton . One of these parties lost hereby Ali and he broke his jaw, the second fight was won by Ali. His next fight was against Frazier, who had lost his title in the meantime to George Foreman . ====Frazier-Ali Part II <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] ==== <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">For their second fight Ali and Frazier met each other at Madison Square Garden and be on January 28 1974 . Although there was now no title at stake, the battle was important because the outcome would determine who could challenge world champion George Foreman. Moreover, Ali after his loss to Frazier keen on revenge.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Before Frazier and Ali went on repetition, they did the studios of ABC in order for the program Wide World of Sports to give their views on the first fight. While both fighters looked back at the eleventh round, Ali began spewing his bile on Frazier on both their hospital stay (according to Ali he was ten minutes went to the hospital after the fight and Frazier month). Frazier did not take this, and the two became embroiled in a scuffle, resulting in fines for both fighters. The tone was put for a second confrontation.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">After Ali Frazier with an uppercut had been deeply affected, Ali fell into a pattern of direct punches while he wisely kept away from the hardstotende Frazier. This tactic would seem to work. After twelve rounds Ali was declared the winner of the fight after a unanimous jury decision. In their infighting had it right, Ali and Frazier would meet for a third time, but not for Ali regained his title of the currently prevailing world champion George Foreman. ====The Rumble in the Jungle: Ali against Foreman <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] ==== George Foreman in 2007<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">On October 30 1974 stood as The Rumble in the Jungle hyped fight between defending champion Foreman and challenger Ali on the program. The fight would take place before a frenzied crowd in Kinshasa , Zaire (now Congo ). Ali was considering after Floyd Patterson to become the second fighter in his world heavyweight recaptured.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The battle was the first by Don King arranged and promoted fight. King got it done Ali and Foreman each to sign a contract in which he them $ 5 million in prize money as promised they would fight for him. King had the money however and went looking for a country outside the United States that were willing to sponsor the fight. The controversial president of Zaire, Mobutu Sese Seko, offered his country as venue for the fight and looking forward to the attention that would establish such an event for him and his country.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Foreman and Ali both spent much of the summer coaching in Zaire through, to get used to the tropical climate. The fight would take place initially in September but due to an injury that Foreman suffered during his training, a new date was pricked in October. Foreman went into the fight as the favorite, the bookmakers scored 8-1.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">There were plenty of Hollywood stars present and some former world champions, including Norton and Frazier. Bob Sheridan commented on the battle andDavid Frost interviewed spectators Frazier and Jim Brown, a former American American Football Player .

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali made the first lap an attack on Foreman and went into battle. This was remarkable, Ali had to have it particularly his speed and skill and Foreman of his brute momentum. A fight like Ali that concerned would normally be to the advantage of Foreman, who had ruled until then won 37 of his 40 fights by knockout. Where a right punch, at least in the case of a right-handed boxer, is usually initiated with a left punch (called left-right combination), 'taunted' Ali Foreman with him so typical non-initiated right punches. Although Ali's offensive strategy initially surprised Foreman and Ali Foreman saw the opportunity to take some considerable time, Foreman was relatively unscathed through the first round and he knew Ali even hit a few times. Ali changed his game plan.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali had his trainer Dundee and warned his fans to have a surprise in store for Foreman. Almost immediately in the second round Ali leaned into the ropes and allowed Foreman to hit him without him but also made ​​an attempt to hit Foreman, a strategy that later Ali rope-a-dope would call.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In the warm environment Foreman put all his energy into his punches, which were circumvented by Ali or landed on his defense. Ali protested against and placed little occasional direct punch to the head of Foreman, whose face quickly began to set up. When the two fighters in a clinch were involved, Ali leaned on Foreman if he pushed Foreman's head down by leaning on his neck, something disorienting the adversary can impact and increase the impact of punches as head further behind nods when it is concerned in that position. Ali defied Foreman constantly at loggerheads by asking him more often and harder to hit, something Foreman gave willingly respond to.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">After several rounds Foreman began efforts to take its toll and he got tired. The worse his face swelled the more his condition was failing. The intent of Ali's strategy became more and more visible when Ali at the beginning of the fourth round Foreman unleashed a series of combinations and this repeated at the end of the fifth round, after Foreman had dominated most of the round. Although Foreman knocks remained distribute and kept coming forward from the fifth round he was tired and he seemed to become more and more exhausted. Ali remained Foreman meanwhile defy with challenging statements.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In the eighth round Ali placed punches a decisive series. A left hand put in a position to Foreman's head Ali him with a hard right could become immediate. Foreman staggered, spun through the ring before he fell on his back. Foreman was still on, but not within ten seconds. Foreman later claimed he got up late, because he had received from his corner to let the signal when to get up. Foreman later claimed also that the trainers Ali had loosened the ring ropes, in favor of Ali's tactics. Later he offered his apologies for this reproach. Foreman proved to be a bad loser. In the years that followed, he would be plenty of excuses to explain his loss. The allegation that he was drugged by his own people is one of the most bizarre. Nonetheless, Ali and Foreman became friends after the fight. Many years later would by Parkinson weakened by Ali Foreman to be helped to the podium, then this one Oscar to have received [https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=nl&u=https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Bronvermelding&usg=ALkJrhgBuoEytY-tBl-jx-JLT7IWBJxWCA#Bron_gevraagd <sup class="noprint nopopups" style="line-height:1;">[source? ]] for the film When We Were Kings, a documentary about their legendary fight in Zaire. ====Thrilla in Manila: Ali against Frazier <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] ==== Boxpromotor Don King, who organized the fights<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">A now to the Sunni converted Ali would take it for a third time against Frazier. Unlike their second fight this time it would be a title at stake, and the roles were reversed: as world champion Ali, Frazier and the challenger. The fight was even higher than profiled their first Fight of the Century; Ali was made even more famous and Frazier had lost none of its fame. The tension was built up was fed towards the fight by Ali, who as always rhymes and puns on Frazier unleashed. Many boxing fans refer to this as the best fight of all time. Ali and Frazier seemed both genuinely inside and outside the ring to hate each other and they had already been twice opposed.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Don King also arranged this fight, which like The Rumble in the Jungle in an exotic location would take place and with Thrilla in Manila, was an equally exotic names. This fight would be in Quezon City, a city in Metro Manila in the Philippines take place, after a while Cairo was suggested as a possible location. The fight was scheduled on October 1st 1975 . The broadcast of the American channel Home Box Office (HBO) on the fight was watched by millions. [https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=nl&u=https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Bronvermelding&usg=ALkJrhgBuoEytY-tBl-jx-JLT7IWBJxWCA#Bron_gevraagd <sup class="noprint nopopups" style="line-height:1;">[source? ]] Ali had not trained as hard as he normally did for a title fight because he thought a Frazier on his return to the ring take.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Before the bell rang for the first round, Ali had told his trainers said there quite Frazier to give along.Ali walked to the middle of the ring where he met Frazier and fired a volley of punches and combinations on Frazier, something that he would maintain for the next rounds. In the sixth round Frazier fought back and hit Ali with a few corners to the head which even went as stagger him. At the beginning of the seventh round whispered Ali, what is said in Frazier's ear: "Why old Joe Frazier They told me it was done to you?". Which Frazier replied: "You are misinformed, handsome boy." From then dominated Frazier fight.Ali tried his proven rope-a-dope tactics, but this was of little use against the force of Frazier. Ali finally did in the tenth round the tide again. Some quick combinations Frazier severely disfigured face before the end of the round. His eyes were so swollen that there were not more than two slits left. In the thirteenth round off Ali fired yet another salvo combinations on Frazier and hit his mouthguard from his mouth into the audience. Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, would at this point to end the fight.Frazier however refused this and asked his coach to give him another round chance to fight back. In round fourteen of the fight was practically blind Frazier and Ali was treated to some heavy punches.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">After fourteen brutal rounds seen Frazier and state could not remain motionless, his trainer. Futch told Frazier in the corner that he was going to make an end to the fight, Frazier sputtered and Futch Frazier assured that his performance that day would be forgotten and ended the fight. Frazier: " Man, I hit him with punches that'd bring down the walls of a city " .

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali was declared the winner and fell a few moments later fainted. He claimed that he had looked death in the eye " . It was like death, the Closest Thing To dying That I know of " Ali offered his respects to Frazier, which ended at the Ali-Fraziertrilogie. Neither of the two boxers would ever be old. Frazier fought twice before giving it quits and getting fewer Ali would have much trouble with some of his opponents and some controversial victories books.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 1976 Ali hit two relatively unknown opponents knockout, the BelgianJean-Pierre Coopman, at that time one of the ten best heavyweight boxers of Europe and the English boxer Richard Dunn . OnApril 30, 1976, Ali faced Jimmi Young in Landover , Maryland . A much too heavy Ali had clearly the worst of it. By Don King selected jurors, however essentially Ali as the winner, which went into the books as one of the most controversial decisions in boxing history. In September, Ali was the third time in front of Ken Norton, in Yankee Stadium . Although disputed by many who saw the match, Ali won unanimously on points.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 1977 warned Ali's ring doctor, Ferdie Pacheco, Ali's supporters from the fact that this self-caused injury and that he would not be held responsible. Pacheco had advised Ali to retire when he saw Ali's reflexes were failing.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali would until February 1978, retained his title for him at the Olympic Champion 1976, Leon Spinks, lose. Ali had the dubious honor of becoming the first heavyweight champion who lost his title to someone with just seven pro parties behind his name. Spinks and Ali would again face each other in the Superdome in New Orleans . Ali received the title given after fifteen laps and on 27 June1979he stopped boxing that the heavyweight title vacant was. ===His second comeback <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali's retirement was short-lived. On 2 October1980, he challenged WBC -wereldkampioen Larry Holmes out with the aim to become the first boxer to the heavyweight title four times won. Ali lost by technical knockout in the eleventh round after his trainer Dundee forbade him to continue fighting. The fight against Holmes, promoted as The Last Hurrah, was by many fans and experts watched with disdain beaten because they were shown a decrepit Ali during the match. Holmes was Ali's sparring partner, and many saw the fight as the proverbial passing of the baton. Holmes would later confess that although he dominated the fight, he had fought somewhat restrained out of respect for his idol and former employer. After the fight was announced that Ali was examined at the Mayo Clinic and the results of the study were shocking. He admitted that his fingers tingled and that talking him harder sounding. King had all this information withheld, so that the fight against Holmes passage could have.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Despite everything, Ali would again took over in the ring. On 11 December1981, would Ali against the rising star and future world champion Trevor Berbick stand, in what would become known as The Drama in the Bahamas . The fight could count on little media attention and fans were also not to jump the fight. The fight took place with little publicity in Nassau instead. Although Ali performed marginally better than in his match against Holmes fourteen months earlier, he lost in the ten-lap party unanimously on points of his twelve years younger opponent.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">After this loss, Ali finally retires in 1981. ==Ali's legacy <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == Muhammad Ali with former PresidentJimmy Carter in 1977<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali defeated almost every big name in an era reputed to be the golden age of heavyweight boxing. Ali was the boxing magazine Ring Magazine more times than any other fighter whatsoever for "Boxer of the Year" crowned and fought in more Ring Magazine "Game of the Year" -Battles than any other fighter. He is listed in the International Boxing Hall of Fame . He is also one of only three boxers who by Sports Illustrated were chosen Sportsman of the Year. He is considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of all time. He was a master in selling himself and his psychological games before, during and after matches were highly effective. It was his superior skill making him far kicked it and was able to hold this position.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 1978, three years before Ali retired, was in his hometown Louisville Walnut Street renamed him henceforth as "Muhammad Ali Boulevard" would go through life. The sign would often be stolen. The idea to name the Central High School to Ali was rejected by a committee of the Jefferson County Public Schools.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali also wrote a number of poems, which he read in The Jerry Lewis Show, a show that was presented by Jerry Lewis . ==After his retirement <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == Muhammad Ali in 2004<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali suffering from Parkinson's Disease . The disease was detected early 80's and Ali's motor functions began to slowly deteriorate. Although doctors in the 80s and 90s there were not agreed whether the illness was a result of his boxing career, or that there was a degenerative illness, he was eventually diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's which is also called boxer dementia. In mid-2005 it was announced that Ali's condition deteriorated rapidly. In the documentary When We Were Kings, when Ali was asked in an interview whether he regretted following his medical status of his boxing past, he replied that if he had not boxed, he still painter in Louisville, Kentucky would have been.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Despite his handicap Ali is a beloved and active public figure. He was recently in the " Forbes Celebrity 100 " selected as the thirteenth behind Donald Trump .In 1985 he was guest referee at the first WrestleMania -event. In 1987 he was appointed by the California Bicentennial Foundation for the US Constitution, elected to the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights to personify for several major events. Ali rode on a raft during the Tournament of Roses Parade, which ushered in the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution. Ali published an oral tradition, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times with Thomas Hauser, in 1991 . He received the "Spirit of America Award" as the (h) erkenbaarste American world. In 1996 he had the honor to be the last bearer of the Olympic flame during the Olympic Games of Atlanta 1996. He appeared in the AFL Grand Final, the final of the Australian Football season. He also met annually at the Los Angeles Marathon runners at the finish. In 1999 he received a special one-time price of the BBC . During their annual "BBC Sports Personality of the Year" ceremony, he received the "BBC Sports Personality of the Century Award 'was awarded a prize for sports personality of the century.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">His daughter Laila Ali palms since 1999, despite her father previously had spoken against female boxing in 1978: "Women are not made ​​for such shocks to the chest and face ... their body is not made ​​for bumping here [tapping on his chest]. Hard hit to the chest ... hard ... and more of that. "

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">On September 13th 1999 appointed the Kentucky Hall of Fame him "Kentucky Athlete of the Century" at a ceremony at the Galt House.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 2001, Ali was in the biopic Ali put down by actorWill Smith . The film received critical acclaim changing; The positive comments focused mainly on the performances of Smith and Jon Voight, giving them Oscar nominations yielded. For the film was made, Will Smith had repeatedly denied the role of Ali until it himself for the role early. According to Ali Smith had joked to him that he was not clever enough to play him.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">On 9 November2005, Ali was awarded at a ceremony at the White House the "Presidential Medal of Freedom," one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, which he is George W. Bushreceived. In Berlin he received on December 17, the prestigious "Otto-Hahn-Friedensmedaille in Gold" 2005 of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für die Vereinte Nationen (DGVN), for his commitment to the American civil rights movement and the United Nations .

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">On November 19, 2005 opened in Louisville, Kentucky, the Muhammad Ali Center, a nonprofit institution that focuses on core themes such as peace, social responsibility, respect and personal development. On the website of the Muhammed Ali Center states: "Since retiring from boxing, Ali has worldwide effort for the humanitarian cause as dedicated Sunni Muslim, he travels all over the world and lends his name to numerous projects. poverty and hunger, supporting education, promote adoption and encourage people to respect each other and understand each other better. It is estimated that thanks to his help 22 million meals have found their way to the hungry mouth. Ali travels on average 200 days per year . "

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">During the FedExOrange Bowl on January 2, 2007 was Ali ereaanvoerder of the Louisville Cardinals and wore their club outfit with number 19. Ali was accompanied by golf legendArnold Palmer, ereaanvoerder of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and Miami Heat -sterspeler Dwyane Wade (who are birthday on the same day as Ali celebrates). ==Personal life <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit <span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Ali married four times and held to these marriages two sons (one adopted) and seven daughters, including the boxing also income Laila Ali. Ali also had two illegitimate children. Ali married in 1986 inBerrien Springs with his fourth wife, Yolanda 'Lonnie' Ali. ==Singer <span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[  edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] ==
 * In 1964 brought Ali, then still under the name Cassius Clay, a song off, Stand by Me .