Muhammad Ali

Easton Press Muhammad Ali books

Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times - Signed by both Muhammad Ali and co-author Thomas Hauser - signed limited edition (limited to 3500 copies) - 1996
Muhammad Ali: The Illustrated Eyewitness Story of a Boxing Legend - Alan Goldstein - 2002
Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali: The Tribute - 2016
 
 

Who is Muhammad Ali?

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was an American professional boxer, cultural icon, and one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the history of sports and civil rights. Born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali rose to fame not only for his remarkable skills in the boxing ring but also for his charisma, wit, and outspoken advocacy for social justice. Cassius Clay started boxing at the age of 12 under the guidance of a Louisville police officer and boxing coach, Joe Martin. He quickly demonstrated extraordinary talent, winning multiple national Golden Gloves titles as an amateur. In 1960, at the age of 18, he won the Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight division. After turning professional, Clay rose through the ranks and earned a shot at the heavyweight title held by Sonny Liston in 1964. Before the fight, Clay boldly declared, "I am the greatest," and he went on to defeat Liston, becoming the youngest boxer to take the heavyweight title.

Why did Muhammad Ali change his name?

Shortly after winning the title, Clay announced his conversion to Islam and his association with the Nation of Islam. He adopted the name Muhammad Ali, which was given to him by the Nation of Islam leader, Elijah Muhammad. This decision was met with controversy and criticism, but it marked a significant moment in Ali's identity and activism.

In 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War, Ali refused to be drafted into the U.S. military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. He famously stated, "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong." Subsequently, he was stripped of his boxing titles, and his boxing license was suspended. Ali's principled stand against the war made him a symbol of resistance and fueled debates about race, religion, and conscientious objection. Ali's legal battles against the draft refusal charges reached the U.S. Supreme Court, where he was eventually vindicated in 1971. During the years he was barred from boxing, Ali continued to speak out on social and political issues. He made a triumphant return to the ring in 1970, regaining his heavyweight title in the famous Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman in 1974.

Muhammad Ali retired from boxing in 1981, leaving an unparalleled legacy as a three-time world heavyweight champion and one of the greatest boxers in history. His impact extended far beyond the sport, influencing social and cultural movements. Ali became a global ambassador for peace, tolerance, and humanitarian causes.
 

Muhammad Ali death

In his later years, Ali battled Parkinson's disease, a condition he attributed to his years in the ring. He died on June 3, 2016, leaving an enduring legacy as an athlete, activist, and symbol of courage, resilience, and the power of conviction. Muhammad Ali's life and career remain an inspiration to generations, transcending the boundaries of sport and standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of a true champion.
 
 

His Life and Times

Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times is a captivating biography that delves deep into the extraordinary life of one of the greatest athletes and cultural icons of the 20th century. From his humble beginnings in Louisville, Kentucky, to his rise as a boxing legend and global ambassador for peace and justice, Hauser chronicles Ali's journey with meticulous detail and heartfelt insight. Through interviews with Ali's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as extensive research, Hauser paints a vivid portrait of the man behind the myth, capturing his charisma, courage, and unyielding spirit. This definitive biography offers readers an intimate look at Ali's triumphs and tribulations, from his Olympic gold medal victory to his battles with the government over his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War, and his inspiring comeback from illness to reclaim his heavyweight title. Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times is a compelling tribute to the enduring legacy of a true champion, both inside and outside the ring.


The Illustrated Eyewitness Story of a Boxing Legend

"I am the Greatest, " proclaimed the young fighter from Louisville. Muhammad Ali: The Illustrated Eyewitness Story of a Boxing Legend offers a captivating narrative of the life and career of one of the most iconic figures in sports history. Authored by a team of experts and enriched with stunning visuals, this biography presents a comprehensive account of Muhammad Ali's remarkable journey from a young boy in Louisville, Kentucky, to becoming the heavyweight champion of the world and a global symbol of courage, conviction, and charisma. Born Cassius Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in a racially segregated America, Ali's story transcends the boundaries of boxing. From the outset, his natural talent and unwavering determination set him apart in the ring. Renowned for his lightning-fast footwork, unparalleled agility, and powerful punches, Ali mesmerized audiences with his boxing prowess, earning the nickname "The Greatest." Yet, Ali's impact extended far beyond boxing. His unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice made him a symbol of defiance against oppression and inequality. His refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War on religious and moral grounds sparked controversy but also cemented his status as a principled advocate for peace.

Through a blend of firsthand accounts, archival photographs, and expert analysis, Muhammad Ali: The Illustrated Eyewitness Story of a Boxing Legend chronicles Ali's triumphs and trials both inside and outside the ring. From his historic matches against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman to his pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the 20th century, every aspect of Ali's life is explored with depth and nuance. The biography also sheds light on Ali's personal struggles, including his battle with Parkinson's disease in later years, highlighting his resilience and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. It celebrates his enduring legacy as a sporting icon, humanitarian, and global ambassador for peace. With its compelling narrative and stunning visuals, Muhammad Ali: The Illustrated Eyewitness Story of a Boxing Legend offers readers a front-row seat to the life and times of a true legend, whose influence transcends generations and continues to inspire millions around the world.
 
 

Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali: The Tribute

The definitive tribute that celebrates the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, an American original.

From his unlikely transformation from Louisville Golden Gloves winner to Olympic gold medalist to three-time heavyweight champion, civil rights hero and at one point, the most famous person on earth, Muhammad Ali and his journey were always chronicled and celebrated by Sports Illustrated's writers and photographers. Now, all of those moments and memories are collected in Muhammad The Tribute , a deluxe fully-illustrated gift book that celebrates the life and legacy of this iconic athlete and champion.

He shook up the world and became the boxer who went from the sports page to the front page. As a young fighter he revolutionized boxing as the fleet-of-foot dancer who took the crown from Sonny Liston; his rivalry with Joe Frazier was legendary; he grew up into one of the toughest heavyweights of all time, winning The Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manilla. He was then able to parlay that fame into a role as elder statesman and inspiration to decades of athletes who would come behind him. All of those moments are captured here in distinct chapters that take you from Rise to Rumble, Exile to Return, Greatest, and Statesman.

Written with the keen insight that only Sports Illustrated can bring, with a special gatefold that features stats and images from every one of this legendary bouts, and hundreds more black and white and full-color photographs that have become as iconic as the man himself, Muhammad The Tribute will stand as the companion piece to a legendary man and athlete.
 


Muhammad Ali quotes

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was."

"It's not bragging if you can back it up."

"Don't count the days; make the days count."

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'"

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it."

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

"I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark."

"I shook up the world. Me! Whee!"

"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision."

"It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself."


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