“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” Muhammad Ali's famous quotes is one of the most well-known quotes in the world. Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. known as Muhammad Ali, was not only the first African American boxer but he was the greatest to ever live. Muhammad Ali was considered a rebel during his time because his ambition to speak out to the public wrongfully gave him a pacifist reputation (Britannica).
Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. grew up as a southern boy in Louisville, Kentucky. At this time in American segregation, was at its all-time high. His father worked as a billboard painter, and his mother stayed at home. Clay joined boxing when he was 12 years old. His mom Odessa Grady Clay stated “He never watched boxing when he was little”, but all of a sudden he was very optimistic about boxing. One day a thief had stolen Clays’ bike and told the police officer, Joe Martin he “wanted to beat the thief up”, then the officer stated, “Well you better
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He later then became very successful in 1956 winning the Golden Glove Tournament as a light heavyweight fighter. After a while Clays’ name was well known around the country after all the title matches he had dominantly won. He had later joined the USA Olympic boxing team fighting in Rome, Italy. Blazingly quick punches and his very famous footwork in the ring gave Clay world-wide audiences. Once he had come back to America, he was known as an “American Hero”, but wouldn’t be one much longer (Britannica School/ Muhammad Ali). Clay had joined a Black Muslim group called “Nation of Islam”, in 1964. Here Clay had changed his name. He was indecisive when coming up with his name. At first, he had called himself “Cassius X”, and later changed it to “Muhammad Ali”. He had then converted to an Islamic Orthodox Church in 1970. Muhammad Ali was very fascinated with Islamic rituals. Family and friends said he was in love with life and was at peace.