Friday, January 17, 2020
God’s Hands Behind Boxing Gloves Essay
It was after the 1960 Rome Olympics. A well-built man stood by a river and threw a gold medal into the waters. He had been rejected entrance in an all-white gathering, he who had brought pride to his nation.            The man was Muhammad Ali. He showed that no amount of worldwide recognition can be balm enough to the injustices and racism that was so prevalent during his time. The recognition that he earned at the Olympics was not ticket to equality, and he realized this instantly. He cared not for the medal, but the respect that his art and skill bring to the man, not the personality that the public knows. Muhammad Ali was not afraid to be seen with the much celebrated and controversial Malcolm X, and he fought his battles with as much confidence and gusto as he did within the ring and off it.            Dubbed as the â€Å"Athlete of the Century†, Muhammad Ali is known all over the world as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Indeed, with all bravado he dared call himself the Greatest. And he was, in many aspects not confined in the boxing ring.            Born as Cassius Clay Jr., he left behind his â€Å"slave name†and took up the name Muhammad Ali to assert his individuality and faith. His action has spurred black pride, as the man continued to prove to be more than just a boxer, but more importantly a black who is not afraid to succeed and fight for his rights. He refused to be inducted in the US Army as a stance against the war. He was imprisoned and stripped off his boxing title for his refusal, but he trained even behind bars and came back to recapture the championship and the people’s hearts. He staged his fights in developing countries that signaled a shift from first-world supremacy to an awareness of the existence of cities such as Manila and Kuala Lumpur. Muhammad Ali has visited and reached out to Afghanistan, North Korea, Cuba, Iraq and South Africa, going where there is strife and bringing goodwill.            Even after his popularity as a professional boxer has waned, his heart of gold shone brightly as ever. He promoted understanding at a time when there was discord in the streets, he embraced difference and stood his ground and pushed with his quiet way of battling racism – not through force but through tolerance. It was through not harboring hate that he gained peace of mind and freedom. He was a living example to all the blacks who wanted to be free. He has touched the lives, minds, and spirits of peoples from all over the world, from impoverished countries, to ghettoes, to aspiring boxers. He continues to make a difference in the lives of those around him, contributing to research centers and humanitarian works, gracing Make-A-Wish-Foundation and soup kitchens. Even if his claim to fame have been his powerful fists, more lasting was the kindness that his hands have shared to countless people. Muhammad Ali was known for wit, charm, and cocky, especially his famous proclamation, â€Å"I am the greatest†.  And the world agrees.
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