‘The Greatest’ of all Time
In the ultimate story of a fast track to success, Louisville, Kentucky native, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. , began training as a boxer at the tender age of just 12 years old. Six years later, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Just four years after that, at the age of only 22, in a historic fight, he defeated Sonny Liston to win the world heavyweight championship on February 25, 1964.
Then, on top of the world, Cassius turned inwardly to study himself in a spiritual journey and ultimately accepted Islam that same year and changed his name to that which the world knows today - Muhammad Ali.
With a charismatic personality, quick-witted responses to media reporters, and his poetic quotes such as, ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,’ he quickly won the hearts of fans. He captivated audiences and his boxing prowess combined with this undisputable likeable personality earned him the nickname, ‘The Greatest’ - a nod to his grasp on The Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970. Ali was additionally the undisputed champion from 1974 to 1978.
In 1967, after refusing to be drafted to fight in the Vietnam War due to his religious beliefs and opposition to war, Muhammad Ali was found guilty of draft evasion and stripped of his boxing titles - a conviction that was later overthrown by the Supreme Court in 1971.
Despite this conviction, his actions were seen as heroic and iconic. With this action happening at the height of the civil rights movement in the United States he was seen as a symbol of racial pride and resistance and his actions resonated with the counterculture of the 1960s generation. He motivated people with a positive smile and promoted non-violent resistance. He often spoke to his opposers with such a calm charisma they found themselves swooning over his kind demeanor.
We believe that in the pursuit of getting to the top — the important thing is not how one gets there or the length of their reign. The important thing is what one does while they are there. Muhammad Ali took the reins of his popularity and used it for positive change.
That’s like our characters Adam and Tariana — who, when put into positions of influence, used their platforms to benefit others. When Adam and Tari travel to Adam’s homeland of Novana in Homeland Rescued — they are thrust into positions of authority and respect where they constantly advocate for positivity, respect, and equality for all.
Muhammad Ali left a legacy both in his boxing career and in his advocacy. In 1999 he was given the honorary titles of Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC. With these titles came a platform that Muhammad Ali used to promote equality, social justice for all, and peace. Millions of people around the world look to him as not only a sports hero but also as a model civilian whose actions represent the true purpose so many seek.
As writers we hope to use our humble platform as one where we can promote the same principles as did Muhammad Ali - justice, peace, and love for all. We strive to inspire daily - through our writings and in our own personal lives. We have dedicated ourselves to be agents of positivity to spread our message to as many people as we can — and our ultimate goal remains to do our part to leave the world as a better place than we found it.
