Muhammad Ali : The Greatest Boxer of All Time

Mohammad Ali, also known as "The Greatest," was one of the most influential and charismatic boxers of all time. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942, Ali began his boxing career at the age of 12 and quickly rose to fame with his unique style in the ring and outspoken personality outside of it.

In 1960, Ali won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Rome Olympics, and soon after turned professional. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and fearless fighter, with a record of 19 wins and no losses by 1964.

However, it was Ali's strong beliefs outside of the ring that made him a controversial figure. He became a vocal supporter of civil rights, and refused to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War due to his opposition to the conflict. As a result, he was stripped of his boxing titles and banned from the sport for several years.

After his ban was lifted in 1970, Ali made a triumphant return to boxing and continued to dominate the sport for years to come. He won several more championships, including the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman in 1974 and the "Thrilla in Manila" against Joe Frazier in 1975.

Ali's boxing career was marked not only by his success in the ring, but also by his larger-than-life personality and his impact on the world outside of boxing. He used his platform to speak out on a range of issues, including civil rights, religion, and humanitarian causes. He was also known for his quick wit and memorable quotes, such as "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

Ali retired from boxing in 1981, with a career record of 56 wins, 5 losses, and 37 knockouts. He was later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which he attributed to his boxing career. However, his legacy as one of the greatest boxers and cultural icons of all time lives on, and his influence can still be felt in the world of sports and beyond.