Muhammad Ali: Transcending Sport

There are few athletes who we can honestly say transcended their sport to become truly iconic. However, when we think of sporting icons many people think of Muhammad Ali. As if he needs any introduction, Muhammad Ali was an American heavyweight boxer, philanthropist and political activist. Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky and was named Cassius Clay before converting to Islam in 1964 and taking the name Muhammad Ali. 

There were many reasons why Muhammad Ali was so special – most obviously his boxing ability. Ali was an Olympic champion at the age of 18, winning light-heavyweight gold in the 1960 Olympic Games in Italy. Following this success, Ali turned professional and in 1964 became heavyweight champion defeating Sonny Liston by way of technical knockout. Ali retired from boxing in 1981 a three-time heavyweight champion having been involved in a series of iconic fights, most notably the “Thrilla in Manila” against Joe Frazier and “The Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman – both of which reportedly achieved an estimated one billion worldwide

 viewers. Ali’s boxing legacy remains untouchable to this day, as many fans today still consider him to be the greatest heavyweight of all time.

Ali was an unusual boxer; impossibly fast and agile for a heavyweight. Ali was set apart further from other boxers by his charisma. Ali truly was the pioneer of “trash-talk” that is perhaps more commonplace in today’s sporting climate. Ali remarked that Sonny Liston was “too ugly to be world champ” and possibly his most famous line “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” is known the world over. Ali set a new standard of entertainment that sport stars today are still following.

However, Ali truly transcended sport with his opposition to the American war in Vietnam. Ali fiercely opposed the war and refused to be drafted to military service, citing his religious beliefs. This act of defiance turned Ali into a controversial figure in the United States; he was subsequently stripped of his title, his boxing license was suspended and he was sentenced to five years in prison – though he would serve no time and this sentence would be later overturned. In standing up for what he believed in, Ali sacrificed his prime sporting years, his income and his passion – though one thing that was never under threat was his legacy. Ali became an inspirational figure for countless people across the globe, permanently redefining what it meant to be a truly great athlete.

In many ways, Muhammad Ali was a true anomaly; an impossible combination of unrivalled talent, sharp wit and charisma as well as the courage to stand up in what he believed in. Ali has created the blueprint for sports stars on how to become truly iconic, although few can match what he achieved.

by Connor Epps