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Muhammad Ali is a former heavyweight boxing champion, who used his fame to help change the world. He won the heavyweight title three times, considered one of the all-time best boxers, and was one of the most recognisable and beloved people on the planet. However, he was also despised by many people who didn’t agree with a young black man speaking allowed to develop a change in the country. He was stripped from his heavyweight title, and convicted to five years in prison. Resulting in a ban from boxing for three and a half years, this left him in debt and assured him to keep fighting past the point which he should retired. Which has lead people to believe why he suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Whilst all of that happened, however, he continued to speak out and enforce change to the nation. He jumpstarted the 1960s Ant-war movement. He refused his induction into the army forces for the U.S. He also spoke out against the Vietnam war. This was very controversial at the time and was considered a coward and a traitor. He stated in an interview that, “I ain’t got nothing against them Vietcong,” “How can I shoot those poor people? Just take me to jail.” Very coincidentally he is sentenced to 5 years in prison shortly after (not served). (Rubin and Rubin, 2019)

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Muhammad Ali also helped introduce “Black Power” to America. Shortly after he was crowned the new heavyweight champion after defeating Liston in 1964. He decided to change his slave name Cassius Clay to the well-known Muhammad Ali. This name is named after and from Elijah Muhammad. However, many people refused to call him by his new name, and continued to be disrespectful by talking to him our about him via his slave name. He stated that, “I don’t have to be what you want me to be, I’m free to be what I want.” Gradually people gained respect for his decision and addressed him by his new name. At this time, he continued to speak out against racial inequality ad injustice.

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Muhammad Ali helped to encourage the nation to have a more open minded view with his actions against the injustice of black Americans. He changed his name and spoke out against the racists and haters. This was largely frowned upon when he started. However, his determination to open the mind-set of the nation soon proved worthwhile as black people eventually started to be treated with some sort of respect. He transformed himself from just a professional athlete to an ambassador for Muslim people, and one of the most famous Muslim Americans in history. Ali was often misunderstood by the media, which lead to many unnecessary problems.

Ali was fighting against what he thought was wrong and needed to be changed, he didn’t sit back and let life take advantage of him. Instead he controlled his life and benefited his race and enforced his opinions to America. It was considered disrespectful for a black person to challenge the opinions, laws or expectations set out by those of white skin colour or the government.

He was constantly take risks to improve the lives of other people, even if it resulted in himself suffering. He was sentenced to prison due to not fighting in the army in the Vietnam war, and speaking out about his decision. He lost boxing rights, and ultimately cut his life short due to his love for people and compassionate feelings. (Rubin and Rubin, 2019)

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See Muhammad Ali At His Final Public Appearance In April

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Muhammad Ali could not simply demand change. He had to fight for it, both literally and figuratively. He fought his way to fame through his incredibly quick feet, reactions and rapid response. Once he was acknowledged as a boxer he decided to make change, however each decision he made was powerfully challenged and affected his life in different ways.

Muhammad Ali would have made a lot of enemies due to his confidence, cocky nature and simply being a black man wanting to make change. These enemies would of affected his physical and mental state and caused him lots of trouble. In fact, he suffered from Parkinson’s disease as a result of him boxing until 39, due to his ban. He was banned from boxing due from being despised by presumably many white men with power.

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Muhammad Ali developed a religious and spiritual aspect of his life throughout his years as a boxer. It is suggested that Muhammad Ali’s boxing capabilities were enhanced due to his faith and Malcolm X. Malcolm X considered Ali to be invincible, and motivated Ali to believe so. Muhammad Ali’s religious aspect grew when he met Malcom X. Before the weigh in against Liston, Ali shouted "It is prophesied that I should win! I cannot be beaten!" Muhammad Ali’s name was chosen by him from Elijah Muhammad, the name Ali means ‘lofty, sublime’. It is said that Muhammad Ali was feeling very unhappy with the way black people were treated, and that joining the Nation of Islam gave him purpose, and enjoyment. “He was more of a listener,” Muhammad recalled. “He didn’t ask too many questions because he believed. He might ask about what language we used or how old the religion was. Just common questions.” (myajc, 2019)

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Muhammad Ali praying in a boxing ring.

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Once Ali took Kilroy to a Baptist church where his father had painted images inside. As they admired upon the images they noticed that there were no black people in any of the paintings. They then went to a white church, where the minister yelled at Ali, ‘Boy, get away from here’. Muhammad Ali was emotionally taunt from this experience and decided he needed to act upon his experience. He practiced and lived the Islamic religion. He was becoming connected with the culture and the religious laws. Elijah Muhammad would often ring Ali up before a fight and remind him that he couldn’t lose with Allah on his side. Muhammad Ali stated that it was, “like a booster rocket to him.”

The religion states that you must pray five times a day and offer to charity. Muhammad Ali was commonly spotted praying, often before and after fights to calm himself. The Islamic faith became a major part of his life and encouraged him to become a ‘radical change agent.’ (Time, 2019)

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I have found Muhammad Ali to be a person who fought in what they believed in and were encouraged to do so through religion. I found it inspiring how he continued to fight for his beliefs even when it would affect his life. For example, when he refused to fight in the army as he didn’t believe in the purpose. Even though he suffered more than he gained in this scenario. He started the ‘rebellion’ as such against the Vietnam war and became a bigger public figure for the nation and Islam religion.

I was intrigued with his passion to continue fighting until he was 39. This majorly affected his life and is considered the reason for his Parkinson’s. However, this action showed the world how determined he was, and his love for boxing. He was a successful, religious boxer who had a beautiful and resilient sole. Below is a video of his boxing ability, it also shows his comical flair and confidence.

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Muhammad Ali Dodges 21 Punches In 10 Seconds

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Muhammad Ali was overall an amazing person. However, with each legend there is some flaw. Muhammad Ali was a very mouthy person being a fired up boxing champion. This came with some problems as there was a lot of media attention on him and a lot of enemies for him. He ultimately benefited the nation in several ways. However, he also caused chaos and problems for many people in the world. He lost his relationship with his family because of this and was barely ever seen with them. However, his brother still attended his funeral out of respect. His quick mouth cost him a lot of trouble and unnecessary stress. Muhammad Ali was truly a radical change agent and that is evident from the facts and information above.

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myajc. (2019). Muhammad Ali’s faith played an important role in shaping his future. [online] Available at: https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/muhammad-ali-faith-played-important-role-shaping-his-future/RB24Ox6A9YgG4HWxggFP9I/ [Accessed 7 Mar. 2019].

Time. (2019). http://time.com. [online] Available at: http://time.com/4798179/muhammad-ali-islam-conversion/ [Accessed 7 Mar. 2019].

Rubin, M. and Rubin, M. (2019). Muhammad Ali: 4 Ways He Changed America – Rolling Stone. [online] Rollingstone.com. Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/muhammad-ali-4-ways-he-changed-america-155463/ [Accessed 7 Mar. 2019].