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What more can you say about someone simply known as "The Greatest?"
A legendary boxer, a controversial figure in the anti-war and civil rights movements and a major figure in the American Muslim community… Ali's impact both domestically and worldwide is undeniable.
As a boxer, Ali was grace and power personified. After winning the Gold Medal in the 1960 Olympics, Ali turned pro and immediately set his sights on the heavyweight title. After 19 impressive victories, Ali got his shot against the heavily favored Sonny Liston. On February 25, 1964, the 22-year-old Ali stunned the boxing world with his six-round knockout-a result Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) had boldly predicted.
The following day, Ali again stunned the boxing world with his announcement that he had become a member of the Nation of Islam.
As the Vietnam war escalated, Ali was called upon to serve in the Army. Based on his religious beliefs, Ali applied for conscientious objector status from the Army, but his request was denied. When he refused to serve, he was sentenced to five years in prison. The conviction would subsequently be overturned by the Supreme Court, but Ali would lose three critical years from the peak of his career.
Ali returned to the ring in the 1970s and enjoyed a remarkable comeback, including classic fights with Joe Frazier and George Foreman.
Ali's legacy was far greater than anything he ever did in the ring. He was a black man who refused to cow-tow to "proper" behavior. He was a Muslim, who was willing to go to jail for his beliefs. He remains a hero and role model to millions around the world.
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