ali, muhammad

Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. Early in his life, his skills developed from those he needed to stand up to a playground bully into the championship form that earned him a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. As a professional fighter, Ali became known not just for the speed and agility with which he won three world heavyweight championships, but also for his charm, wit, and showmanship. Outside the ring, the courage of his stand against the military draft made him both a revered cultural hero and a lightning rod for the issues that divided Americans during the Vietnam War. In the decades following his boxing career, Ali has become regarded as one of the most recognized people on the planet. He has lent his name, influence, and generosity to a host of humanitarian causes. Today, having earned the affection of billions of people worldwide, the people s champ is, as ever, The Greatest.

A biography of Olympic gold medalist and three time heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, born in Louisville, Kentucky as Cassius Clay, discussing his childhood, boxing career, conversion to Islam, draft evasion and diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease.

"After twelve-year old Cassius Clay's bicycle is stolen, he seeks a police officer in a nearby gym, igniting a passion for boxing that led to a celebrated career as a world champion boxer, activist, and humanitarian"-- Provided by publisher.

A comprehensive biography of the only boxer crowned Heavyweight Champion of the World three times.

Thomas Hauser provides a compelling retrospective of Ali?s life. relying on personal insights, interviews with close associates and other contemporaries, and memories gathered over the course of decades on the cutting edge of boxing journalism, Hauser explores Ali in colorful detail inside and outside the ring.

In 1962, few thought that Cassius Clay would become the heavyweight champion of the world. But Malcolm X saw his potential, not just for boxing greatness, but as a means of spreading the Nation of Islam's message. The two became fast friends, keeping their interactions secret from the press for fear of jeopardizing Clay's career. Malcolm molded Cassius Clay into Mohammad Ali, helping him become an international symbol of Black pride and Black independence. Soon, however, their friendship would sour, with disastrous and far-reaching consequences.

"Presents the life of the legendary boxer who began his career as Cassius Clay, discussing his prowess in the ring, his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, and his life after boxing"--OCLC.

A biography of an Olympic gold medal winner who went on to become heavyweight champion of the world.

A biography of Muhammad Ali, boxer and conscientious objector to the Vietnam War.