By Mark Havey: Today the boxing community is mourning its favorite Son. Tears have been falling as thick and fast as Autumn leaves. Boxing Champions around the World are paying homage to the man that inspired them to commit to the world’s toughest sport. It is a sport that is littered with Kings, But there was only one God. Every Champion dreamed, but knew, they could never ascend to the dizzying heights of the ‘Greatest’.
Last night Muhammad Ali died in a Phoenix hospital whilst being treated with a respiratory problem. His family were by his side. Doctors told the family and the world to prepare themselves for the end, it didn’t soften the blow. He was 74 years old and had been suffering with Parkinson disease since the early 80s.
Most would agree that Ali is the only man to transcend the sport of boxing. In 1964 the Brash, fast talking Heavyweight displayed irrefutable self Belief when he beat the most feared man on the planet to become the Champion of the World. As Sonny Liston was toppled, the world knew they had witnessed something special. There were some that said he was lucky, so a year later they fought again. Ali didn’t even break a sweat and defeated Liston in the first round.
Ali Beat the best Heavyweights from his era. He isn’t the only man to do this. However, his era is referred to as the golden age of Heavyweight boxing.
In 1974 he proved that he really was the greatest of all time. He stepped into the ring against George Foreman. With implausible ease, Foreman had beaten many people that Ali struggled against. He was possibly the hardest puncher the world had ever known and Muhammad Ali was expected to be annihilated. The world was certain of the demise of the boxing Icon. Ali didn’t doubt himself for a second. With audacious tactics, profuse tenacity and astonishing punch resistance, Muhammad Ali made the world bow when he knocked out Foreman in round 8.
in 1975 the world was blessed to watch ‘The Thriller In Manila’. Ali vs. Frazier III was the eagerly anticipated trilogy. The first fight happened in 1971. the fight was epic and Frazier became the first man to defeat Ali via unanimous decision. The second came early in 1974. Again it was epic. Ali got his revenge via unanimous decision. The 3rd fight was beyond epic and has been named the fight of the century. Finally the victory was decisive with Ali stopping Frazier in round 14. It was much more than a victory, much more than revenge. It was a perpetual moment, the moment that people realised Muhammad Ali would never be surpassed. He had cemented his legacy.
Fights make you great, but who you are is what makes you loved. Ali was bigger than boxing. You didn’t need to be a boxing fan to know who he was. Ali was the most recognised man on the planet. He talked a man out of committing suicide, He was in more ‘fight of the year’ bouts than any other fighter, He beat 7 hall of famers, In 1967, after refusing to go to war, Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title and banned from boxing. He stood by his religious and moral views and it cost him his best best boxing years. After 3 years Ali was allowed to fight and continued his path to boxing greatness.
In death, as in life, he will continue to inspire generations of children who dream of greatness.
Rest In Peace. Muhammad Ali 1942-2016