MUHAMMAD ALI by Mujedin Shuki ... He was younger stronger; he was favorite
to win. Ali was successful and he won. ... The Greatest by Walter Myers, 2001.
MUHAMMAD ALI by Mujedin Shuki • Do you know who is Cassius Clay? • He was a professional boxer. His most important job now is trying to teach people to treat each other with dignity and respect.
Cassius Clay • His career began when he was just 12 years old. • “float like butterfly, sting like a bee”
He won gold medal in Olympic Games 1960. • Time after time he become more popular; he was very surprised when he returned to the U.S. after his medal.
First time professional champion and shook up the world • He won the world championship in 1964 by beating Sonny Liston. He said,”I am free to be who I want.” Most important for that time he wanted freedom and rights for blacks.
In 1964 he change his name. • Cassius Clay has adopted Islam religion with a big surprise for all the world. He thought Islam is way to the peace,and they pray five times a day. “Everyone should live how they feel.”
Ali refused to go to Vietnam war • In May 1967,the World Boxing Association took away his boxing license and his title. He went to the prison for 5 years.
Ali returned to the ring in 1970. • He lost for first time to Joe Fraizer.
In 1974 • Ali had to fight with Foreman because Frazer beat Foreman. He was younger stronger; he was favorite to win. Ali was successful and he won.
For the third time the champion of the world • In 1995 Ali beat Frazer and became a first boxer in history of boxing who won third time.
Ali lost title in 1978 • On June 26,1979 at the age of 37, Ali retired as a champion with a professional record of 59 victories and three defeats.
In 1980 he lost from Larry Holmes with a technical knockout. • Ali returned to the ring because he had a lavish life –style.He needed money. It was fatal for him.He won $8 million.
In 1982 • After losing the fight to Holmes, Ali’s health appeared to be on a rapid decline: he seemed sluggish and weak in motor skills.Ali got Parkinson disease.
At the 1996 Olympic Games he lit the Olympic torch. • The world and his country honored him. President Clinton wanted to see him. .”The president stood directly in front of Ali and put his hands on Ali’s shoulders. “They wouldn’t tell me who would light the flame, but when I saw it was you , I cried.”
Ali’s popularity today • Muhammad Ali was named the athlete of the century.The people have never forgotten him and they never will. He was role model for millions across the globe.
Ali…loved all over the world • Ali jokes with students and his fans • Magic
The Muhammad Ali Center • His dream to build this camp is becoming very realistic in 2003.This center can be used by people all over the world,where people can come to be inspired and learn to love and respect each other…
Credits • Photographs: – taken from the Internet.
• Text references: – The Greatest by Walter Myers, 2001 – BBC Sport News; CNN Sport Boxing; Associated Press articles
