Essay Sample about Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, many may know him as the champion of boxing; yet others know him as a hero, or as I like to call him, "the Greatest of all time”. As an athlete myself, we athletes tend to look up to other successful athletes. Muhammad Ali was, and still is the greatest boxer of all time. Not only that, but he was also an inspirational figure to many people and helped out as much as he could. He was a motivational leader, not only inside the ring but throughout the world, and his immense confidence touched many people, bringing the sport of boxing the attention it always deserved. Muhammad Ali showed millions of people that no matter the color of your skin, you can still make a difference; all you have to do is believe in yourself.

Muhammad Ali, (Full name: Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.) was born on January 17th, 1942 in Louisville Kentucky U.S. Cassius grew up in a time when things were separated by race, meaning that he experienced lots of discrimination during his youth. Throughout childhood, Cassius grew up in the American south, while his father supported the family by painting billboards and signs, and his mother worked as a household domestic. At the age of twelve Clay realized his love and talent for boxing in a very strange way. After his bike was stolen, Clay went to the police officer, who was Joe Martin, and said he wanted to beat up the thief who committed this crime. Martin replied with “well, you better learn how to fight before you start challenging people.'' In addition to working as a police officer, Joe was also a trainer at the local gym. Clay started sparring and boxing with Martin and soon enough, he began his boxing career. By the time he fought his first nonprofessional fight, he had won by split decision. He went on to win the 1956 Golden Gloves Tournament for the novices in the light heavyweight class. Three years later, he won the Amateur Athletic Unions national title for the light heavyweight division.

In and out of the ring, the saying “Float like a butterfly sting like a bee. The hands can't hit what the eyes can't see” was repeated by Muhammad Ali. I'm sure many may have heard of this saying because it comes from one of the greatest boxers known to man, but what is the meaning behind it? Well, the famous saying was usually said to describe Muhammad Ali’s style in and out of the ring. The “float like a butterfly” part was used to describe how Ali was light and quick on his feet. The “sting like a bee” part was used to describe Muhammad’s hard and fearful punches and “the hands can't hit what the eyes can't see” is used to describe how it was impossible to even touch Ali in the ring because of his quick pace and strong mentality.

Muhammad Ali has accomplished many things over the years, but some major accomplishments were, winning the gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Olympics, being the youngest boxer to unseat a reigning heavyweight champion (at the age of 22), fighting the fight of the century against Joe Frazier, winning the Thrilla Manila against Joe Frazier, being the first man to win the heavyweight title three times, and being awarded the presidential medal of freedom in 2005. These are just a few of the many accomplishments Muhammad Ali has accomplished, and that just gives me one more reason as to why Muhammad Ali is the greatest of all time.

Over the years many different names have been mentioned when it comes to naming the GOAT.  Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, and more but a name that always stood out to me and I'm sure stands out to many others is Muhammad Ali. When I think of Muhammad Ali, the words fearful, inspiring and determined come to mind. That's because that was exactly what he was. From 1960 to 1981, Muhammad Ali compiled a record of 56 wins and 5 losses, 37 of those wins were won by a knockout. He defeated a long list of hall of fame fighters and won the world heavyweight championship three times. If his boxing career isn't impressive enough, Muhammad Ali battled the U.S government over his objection to serving in the military during the Vietnam War. Not only that but after he retired he returned to the ring to defend his name, what he liked to call himself, the greatest. “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was,” Ali said. Muhammad Ali always put on a show and entertained the crowd, keeping them on their feet. Many people hated Muhammad Ali for his skin color since he was black but that didn't stop him from accomplishing what he did. 

Besides being the champion of all boxing, Muhammad Ali was a great person outside the ring, always giving to charities and the community. “I have always wanted to be more than just a boxer,” Ali said. His major successes made many realize that you can accomplish anything, no matter your race. His charitable works spread wide across America, making many see how great of a person Ali was. Muhammad worked with foundations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics. He always tried to raise money through celebrity fight nights and also visited many soup kitchens. "More than just the three-time heavyweight champion. I wanted to use my fame, and this face that everyone knows so well, to help uplift and inspire people around the world.” Said Muhammad. Returning to his hometown Louisville Kentucky, both Ali and his wife helped start the Muhammad Ali Center in 2005 with one goal, and that was to bring his mission of opportunity and assistance to his community. Muhammad Ali always was a pure and admirable person and will always be the person I will look up to. Sadly on June 3rd, 2016, Muhammad Ali died of Septic shock. This shocked the whole world and left many in disbelief. He is remembered as a legend and of course, a great person. 

As much love and praise Muhammad Ali got, many people hated him and some even say that he was once the most hated man in America. He only started receiving appreciation later in his career. Something you must understand is that for a black man to take stands against the government which was the majority of society were acts of bravery and not something everyone would do. One thing that many people disliked about Ali is that he talked a lot and he always backed up his words with his lightning-quick fists that destroyed his opponents apart. America did not enjoy watching this random “colored man” dominate the sport of boxing and it got irritating. Many went to his fights just to watch him lose. But with fame always comes hate, and all this hatred didn’t stop Muhammad Ali from accomplishing everything he did. He continued to be the great person he is and always shared his acts of kindness. 

From being a 12-year-old boy who experienced discrimination and hate to a lifelong legend, Muhammad Ali has come a long way. He earned everything he had not only through boxing but through love. His determination showed the world that no matter the color of your skin, you can still make a difference. When you have a talent or dream, never give it up. Step up, use your confidence and be the person you want to be, and as Muhammad Ali would say, “if my mind can conceive it, if my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it."