The Life And Influence Of Muhammad Ali's Life

“I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was,” is one of Muhammad Ali’s most well known quotes. This quote by Ali gives a good idea who he was during his boxing days and childhood, but it does not reveal everything about him. The quote gives a sign of Ali’s pride, and the chip he has on his shoulder, and his confidence (S.C #5). Ali’s pride, confidence, the chip on his shoulder originated in his childhood, especially his pride, which he learned from his father (S.C #4). Ali is much more than one of the greatest boxers of all time; he is also a philanthropist and a member of the Nation of Islam. Cassius Clay, who later changed his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964, was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17th, 1942. Ali was the son of Cassius Clay Sr. and Odessa Clay. Despite growing up in a segregated time, Ali’s childhood is something he will always cherish. Ali’s parents loved him, and were constantly showing him, and

Ali joined the Nation of Islam when he was starting his professional boxing career. The Nation of Islam once believed boxing was a horrible sport, but when Ali became successful everything changed. The Nation of Islam wanted Muhammad Ali on their side because he was influential. Soon after Ali became the World Champion in boxing, he joined the Nation of Islam. After joining Ali wanted to revise his name from Cassius Clay to Cassius X, similar to Ali’s close friend Malcolm X. The name Cassius X would not stick, but instead he was given the name Muhammad Ali. Ali became close friends with Malcolm X through the Nation of Islam, but the friendship would come to a conclusion, when X decided to leave the Nation of Islam. X left the Nation of Islam because he had disagreements with the leader. After X left, Ali was left to choose between his friend Malcolm X or the Nation of Islam. Ali would regret his decision of choosing the Nation of Islam over X