Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay) died yesterday following hospitalization for a respiratory illness. He'd also suffered from Parkinson's disease for several decades. Justifiably known as "The Greatest," Ali was a light heavyweight Olympic gold medalist in 1960 and went on to win the heavyweight championship an unprecedented 3 times. He retired from boxing in December 1981.Ali was a larger than life presence during the span of his boxing career and beyond, often as a lightning rod for controversy. He converted to Islam in the mid- '60s, was a high- profile champion of civil rights, and became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War in 1966, which caused him to be stripped of his heavyweight title in 1967. He regained the title in 1974 in the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" match, defeating then- champion George Foreman. His rivalries with Foreman and with Joe Frazier (notably 1975's "Thrilla in Manilla" match), a boxer with different skills but close to Ali in stature, made the early '70s a "golden age" in professional boxing. In 2005, recognizing his achievements in sports, as a social activist and as a goodwill ambassador, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
There's just so much one could write about the impact of Ali on sports and on his times that it's almost overwhelming. For some perspective on the man, go to his website. President Obama released a statement praising this once- in- a- lifetime figure. There are also tributes coming in from all over the world for this man who evolved into a beloved icon. Charles Pierce has an eloquent remembrance here.
Rest in peace.
