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Muhammad Ali Research Paper

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Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, was not only a legendary boxer but also a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights and social justice. His remarkable boxing career, characterized by his unparalleled skill and charisma, was intertwined with his outspoken activism against racial inequality and the Vietnam War. His rise to greatness in the boxing world, his unwavering commitment to social rights movements, and his enduring legacy as an icon of both sports and activism. Ali's boxing career began with a bang as he won the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. “Despite being only 18, he won all four of his fights easily. In the final he defeated three-time European champion Zbigniew Pietrzykowski to win the gold medal.” He quickly rose through the ranks of professional boxing, capturing the world heavyweight championship at the young age of 22 by defeating Sonny Liston in 1964. “Ali's unique fighting style, lightning-fast footwork, and powerful punches earned him the nickname "The Greatest" and solidified his status as one of the most talented boxers in history. His thrilling matches, such as the "Fight of the Century" against Joe Frazier and the "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman, captivated audiences worldwide and cemented his legacy as a boxing legend. …show more content…

He famously refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. “He was stripped of his title in 1967, when he refused to be drafted into the US army, citing religious and personal beliefs.” This decision led to his suspension from boxing and sparked a national debate on conscientious objection and the role of athletes in politics. Ali's courage in standing up for his convictions inspired many and solidified his reputation as a symbol of resistance against injustice and

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He then was banned from boxing for three years. After the three years had passed he began his career again and was still one of the top boxers at the time. Muhammad Ali was asked to be in the marines, he could not join because his mental abilities were too low. He then was eligible during

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947 Words | 4 Pages

He was later convicted for his stand against the war in Vietnam and for violating the United States Selective Service laws . His refusal to join the army showed that he stood for his religion and what he believed was right despite him being a black. This had an impact in America as it empowered individuals who did not support the Vietnam war and those who did not support the government laws or system (mainly black Americans) . Moreover, every major social equality Association and Pioneer at some point adulated Ali and shielded his choice to oppose the Vietnam War. Ali predecessors on sports were not actively involved in politics.

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618 Words | 3 Pages

Persevering through the doubt and beating Liston so badly that he gave up at the beginning of the seventh round. He continued his hot streak and seemed unbeatable, only losing a couple of times in his pro career, “he was the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship on three separate occasions.” Given that he was known as the greatest boxer of all time, he inspired many with his great skill inside the boxing ring. (Who was Muhammad Ali?, P. 39) Outside of the boxing ring, Ali was a very motivational person.

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Ali's charm, humor, and unwavering confidence helped him become a global superstar. He spoke out against racial unfairness, religious prejudice, and the Vietnam War without fear, often at considerable personal risk. Ali's firm commitment to his ideals, both inside and beyond the ring, showed athletes' ability to impact change and challenge society's standards. His reputation as a social justice crusader continues to encourage sportsmen to use their platforms to make a good difference in the

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1115 Words | 5 Pages

After the 1960 Olympics, Ali said that his name would now be Muhammad Ali and that he had joined the Nation of Islam, an organization that had a great impact on his professional and personal life ("Muhammad Ali." Contemporary Black Biography). Ali had become a political image of black society, perhaps the person that encouraged blacks the greatest after Martin Luther King and Malcolm X ("Muhammad Ali." Contemporary Black Biography). Ali was drafted to the military during the Vietnam war, but he refused to participate, on grounds of his spiritual ideals (Smith 78).

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Muhammad Ali opposing the Vietnam War Thesis Muhamad ali was justified because of his religion they aren’t allowed to fight. Background 1. The US military had a lack of soldiers so they Started a draft to make all male 18 year olds and higher To join the war. Muhammad ali was told to join, but he Couldn’t because of his religion since Islam was a religion of peace at that time.

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937 Words | 4 Pages

Muhammad Ali was a very influential person in the civil rights movement. He paved the way for equal rights in sports because he endured the hatred professionally. If he did not accept the discrimination in the manner that he did, then the sports would have rejected all colored people because they were perceived as temperamental fighters who couldn’t hold their anger in. As a result of his actions, the U.S. has improved much of their segregation laws and now has equality all over. During the times of Civil Rights, he did not know that he was making such an impact; he just wanted to be equal as every other person and he wanted to make sure others were being treated right as well.

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916 Words | 4 Pages

Growing up, he was never a great student, graduating high school placed 367th in a class of 391. Upon opposing the Vietnam war in the 1960s, he was deprived of his boxing title by state commissions across the nation (Lifefile: Muhammad Ali). Many tests and punishments followed his decision to not be inducted into the Vietnam war. Not only did Ali face a 5 year prison term for his refusal to be drafted, he was also found guilty of violation of the Selective Service Act and fined $10,000 along with a five year jail sentence. Following a gold metal victory, he returned to Louisville, his home town, where he was refused service in a restaurant and subsequently became involved in a fight with a motorcycle gang leader.

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1220 Words | 5 Pages

The Champ Is Here Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was an activist and American professional boxer, however many knew him as the legendary Muhammad Ali. Clay altered his name to Ali after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964. Ali had a sister and four brothers. Clay lived in a time when racial segregation was at its peak. After being denied water due to his skin color and the murder of Emmett Till, Clay and a friend vandalized a local rail yard to take out their frustration.

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1043 Words | 5 Pages

The text states “A conscientious objector because of his faith, Muhammad Ali refused to even consider going to Vietnam when drafted in 1966” (Gale 9). Furthermore explaining, Ali was persistent and would go through anything to do the right decision, even if it meant harm. When doing courageous actions there will be challenges, but it is important to stay

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1588 Words | 7 Pages

Muhammad Ali has significantly benefitted modern society by creating equality between African Americans and whites, helping fight for a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and increasing the popularity of the sport of boxing. Muhammad Ali was not just one of the greatest boxers of all time; he was one of the greatest examples of all time. Muhammad Ali always said he wanted to be, more than a boxer, he wanted to inspire people all over the world (“Hauser”). To do this, Ali visited a lot of organizations such as, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics making dreams of the young kids a reality.

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967 Words | 4 Pages

Blacks were more likely to be drafted into the war and more so into the frontline and because of this, the war was hugely opposed (redflag). Still standing by his beliefs, he refused to be conscripted when it was his turn questioning why they ask him to “drop bombs and bullets on people in Vietnam while so-called negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs” (“sport 18). Reaction from boxing associations was brutal: those who praised him condemned him, called off his scheduled fights, arrested him, sentenced him to a $10,000 fine and stripped him of his championship title all of which transpired in his prime years. Being banned from boxing, he took part in lectures and won support which made him an icon of black resistance and injustice and due to the risks he took, he encouraged others to stand for equal rights as well (Sports). Ali lost everything but still returned to the ring to not only make up for his years lost but also to acquire money since he had to pay for the fines and lawsuits against his arrest and ban from boxing.

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1475 Words | 6 Pages

In the obituary by the Globe and Mail, it was said that "he was a man who 'stood for the world'; It was his antics and words outside of the ring that transformed the heavyweight champion into a household name." After defeating Mr. Liston to win the heavyweight title in 1964, Mr. Ali shocked the boxing world by announcing he was a member of the Black Muslims, the Nation of Islam, and rejecting his "slave name," according to the Toronto Globe and Mail. Muhammad Ali's letting the people know that he is a proud black Muslim and letting them know that he would be rejecting his slave name (Cassius Clay) is a very difficult thing to do. During the 1900s, racism and slavery were still relevant things, and to blatantly reject them both publicly and privately was a very dangerous thing to do for both him and his family. In the obituary "He was a man who 'stood for the world'; It was his antics and words outside of the ring that transformed the heavyweight champion into a household name" By Globe & Mail (Toronto, Canada), Muhammad Ali said that "I don't have to be what you want me to be," he told reporters the morning after beating Mr. Liston.

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1035 Words | 5 Pages

86). From the start of his life Ali rebelled against everything and anyone that would look down on him or his people. He refused to accept the stereotypes that many African American faced during that time. Ali came forward to get his political views across, as well as his new religion, and his new name. His actions at that time nearly cost him the chance to fight for a heavyweight championship of the world.

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However his mother on the other hand, sometimes his mother worked as a cleaning lady when money was tight to get. Muhammad Ali was a boxer, a philanthropist and a social activist. He got a Suspension from refusing military services because of his religion ("Muhammad Ali.").

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