We lost a giant tonight. Incomparable really to just about any other human being in my lifetime. I mean, how many other people can make lists like this? http://www.thetoptens.com/most-famous-people/
I just want to echo this. No one bigger than Ali. I can't think of a sports figure that ever had a bigger global and social impact on society as well.
To be honest, I never full appreciated him as a boxer. I rooted for Frazier, Foreman, and Norton over him in their fights. That said, there is no question as to whether he was the greatest fighter of all time. More important, he transcended sports. His interviews, his appearances were larger than life. Since this isn't D&D, I will only point out he took political stances that were very unusual for athletes of his time, further raising his statue. RIP, the Greatest.
The odd thing about seeing famous people die is watching other famous people fall all over themselves to get some of the tribute attention. It's strange to see people dawn all over a man one minute when they spend most of their day spewing garbage that he spent a lifetime standing against. People with clear racism and prejudice against Muslims in their rhetoric taking the time to salute Ali is so twisted.
Ali was before my time, I'm 45. I don't really know a lot about him. But he was obviously larger than life figure.
I think you can find all his matches on youtube. Does espn Classic still put out old vintage boxing matches? Time to binge watch and see how amazing this guy really is in the ring. The Goat!!!
RIP. He was the greatest boxer of his generation. I saw many of his great fights. There will never be another Muhammad Ali.
I recently spoke with someone from the older generation. They said when they were young, schools would let out early because Muhammad Ali is fighting that day. Obviously this wasn't in the States but you could see the impact he had globally. I asked why... is it because he converted to Islam (it was a Muslim country), he said no... just because it's Muhammad friggin Ali. His fights call for school to let out early.
I wasn't always a fan of everything about him, but I also was too young to have ever actually seen him fight (other than highlights). Seemed like a very nice guy in his later years, rest well.
I'm shocked! Your post seems to indicate you're in your 20's. Not taking a stab at you, more of a compliment. You're riding that youth very well my friend.
These athletes today or even going back to MJ would never stand up for something that transcended sports because it would damage their brand. Ali was true to his beliefs. float like a butterfly sting like a bee.
the hagiography of this guy and whitewashing of his character as some sort of gentle soul is something else
RIP to the King Highly recommend everyone watching the Oscar winning documentary of the rumble in the jungle, if you haven't already: When We Were Kings
