Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. –Muhammad Ali
By Jackeline Soto
I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was –Muhammad Ali
On June 3rd, the world lost one of the greatest legends we have ever seen. Muhammad Ali passed away at the age of 74 in Arizona.
Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942 to Cassius Marcellus Clay and Odessa Grady Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. He began his boxing career in 1954 but won a title in the 1956 Golden Gloves Tournament. He continued to show progress in his boxing techniques when he won the 1959 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions and the Amateur Athletic Unions title for light- heavy weight division.
But Muhammad Ali sky rocketed to being seen as the one to watch when he won a seat in the US Olympic Boxing team in 1960. He gained the title of the World Heavyweight Champion when he knocked out Sonny Liston in the seventh round.
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life –Muhammad Ali
Besides being a boxer and he was an influential activist as he gained respect for his refusal of military induction during the Vietnam War because of religious beliefs. His loyalty to his religion caused him to lose his heavyweight championship title and was banned from boxing for three years.
If you ever dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize –Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984. For those of you who don’t know what Parkinson’s disease is here’s a brief summary:
It’s a disease with no cure. It’s a disease in which the nerve cells in the brain are damaged causing dopamine levels to drop. You need dopamine because dopamine helps sends signals to your brain that helps you control your movements. So when your dopamine levels drop you lose control of your body, you’re practically a prisoner in your own body. Symptoms include but are not limited to: body tremors, stiff muscles, difficulty in walking and standing, restlessness, fatigue, amnesia, dementia and difficulty in thinking and understanding.
Muhammad Ali fought 32 rounds with Parkinson’s disease, and sadly lost his footing on his 32nd round. He fought a hard battle as he was determined to not let Parkinson’s disease win.
We send our condolences to Ali’s family and friends. We are sorry for your loss, and Muhammad Ali will never be forgotten.
-Leaner Creamer Family
