Mohammad Ali

God 's Hands Behind Boxing Gloves

It was after the 1960 Rome Olympics . A well-built man stood by a river and threw a gold medal into the waters . He had been rejected entrance in an all-white gathering , he who had brought pride to his nation The man was Muhammad Ali . He showed that no amount of worldwide recognition can be balm enough to the injustices and racism that was so prevalent during his time . The recognition that he earned at the Olympics was not ticket to equality , and he realized this instantly . He

br cared not for the medal , but the respect that his art and skill bring to the man , not the personality that the public knows . Muhammad Ali was not afraid to be seen with the much celebrated and controversial Malcolm X and he fought his battles with as much confidence and gusto as he did within the ring and off it Dubbed as the Athlete of the Century , Muhammad Ali is known all over the world as one of the greatest boxers of all time . Indeed , with all bravado he dared call himself the Greatest . And he was , in many aspects not confined in the boxing ring Born as Cassius Clay Jr , he left behind his slave name ' and took up the name Muhammad Ali to assert his individuality and faith . His action has spurred black pride , as the man continued to prove to be more than just a boxer , but more importantly a black who is not afraid to succeed and fight for his rights . He refused to be inducted in the US Army as a stance against the war . He was imprisoned and stripped off his boxing title for his refusal , but he trained even behind bars and came back to recapture the championship and the people 's hearts . He staged his fights in developing countries that signaled a shift from first-world supremacy to an awareness of the existence of cities such as Manila and Kuala Lumpur . Muhammad Ali has visited and reached out to Afghanistan , North Korea , Cuba , Iraq and South Africa , going where there is strife and bringing goodwill Even after his popularity as a professional boxer has waned , his heart of gold shone brightly as ever . He promoted understanding at a time when there was discord in the streets , he embraced difference and stood his ground and pushed with his quiet way of battling racism - not through force but through tolerance . It was through not harboring hate that he gained peace of mind and freedom . He was a living example to all the blacks who wanted to be free . He has touched the lives , minds , and spirits of peoples from all over the world , from impoverished countries to ghettoes , to aspiring boxers . He continues to make a difference in the lives of those around him , contributing to research centers and humanitarian works , gracing Make-A-Wish-Foundation and soup kitchens Even if his claim to fame have been his powerful fists , more lasting was the kindness...