Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942, this individual (1) to become one of the most iconic and influential figures in sports history. Introduced to boxing at the age of 12 after his (2) was stolen, they quickly demonstrated an extraordinary talent for the sport. By the age of 18, they won a (3) medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics, launching their professional boxing career shortly afterward.
Renowned for their lightning-fast (4) , sharp reflexes, and charisma, they captured the heavyweight title in 1964 by defeating Sonny Liston in a (5) upset. Shortly after, they announced their conversion to Islam and embraced a new name, signalling a profound shift in their personal and public identity. This decision, along with their outspoken stance on civil rights and refusal to be (6) into the Vietnam War, made them a polarizing figure during the 1960s but also a symbol of resistance and courage.
Their career was marked by (7) fights, including the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier, the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman, and the “Thrilla in Manila” rematch with Frazier. These (8) cemented their reputation as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Outside the ring, they were an advocate for (9) causes, civil rights, and global peace. Despite a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, their legacy as an athlete, activist, and cultural (10) endures, inspiring generations to strive for greatness and stand up for their beliefs.
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Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942, this individual (1) rose to become one of the most iconic and influential figures in sports history. Introduced to boxing at the age of 12 after his (2) bicycle was stolen, they quickly demonstrated an extraordinary talent for the sport. By the age of 18, they won a (3) gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics, launching their professional boxing career shortly afterward.
Renowned for their lightning-fast (4) footwork, sharp reflexes, and charisma, they captured the heavyweight title in 1964 by defeating Sonny Liston in a (5) stunning upset. Shortly after, they announced their conversion to Islam and embraced a new name, signaling a profound shift in their personal and public identity. This decision, along with their outspoken stance on civil rights and refusal to be (6) drafted into the Vietnam War, made them a polarizing figure during the 1960s but also a symbol of resistance and courage.
Their career was marked by (7) legendary fights, including the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier, the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman, and the “Thrilla in Manila” rematch with Frazier. These (8) bouts cemented their reputation as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Outside the ring, they were an advocate for (9) humanitarian causes, civil rights, and global peace. Despite a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, their legacy as an athlete, activist, and cultural (10) icon endures, inspiring generations to strive for greatness and stand up for their beliefs.
▶ Click to show questions for discussion.
What were Muhammad Ali’s most significant achievements in boxing, and how did they shape his legacy as a sports icon?
How did Muhammad Ali’s outspoken personality and activism influence the civil rights movement and public perceptions of athletes?
What role did Muhammad Ali’s refusal to be drafted during the Vietnam War play in his career and public image?
How did Muhammad Ali balance his career as a professional athlete with his religious beliefs and advocacy for social justice?
What is the lasting impact of Muhammad Ali’s charisma, activism, and achievements on sports, culture, and global society?
