Muhammad Ali
Date: 30-10-1974
Muhammad Ali is considered to be one of the greatest athletes ever. The magazine Sports Illustrated even named him "Athlete of the Century" . He was born in 1942 as Cassius Clay, but changed his name into Muhammed Ali when he became a Muslim.
As a boxer, Muhammed Ali had a huge talent. While many heavy-weights relied mainly on pure power and strength, Ali moved incredibly fast and flexible around the ring. This can also be seen in his defense. Instead of holding his hands near his face, Ali held his gloves lower and relied on his speed to dodge his opponent. Ali himself called it "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee".
Muhammad Ali won his first heavy weight world title by defeating Sonny Liston in 1965.
Muhammad Ali is considered to be one of the greatest athletes ever. The magazine Sports Illustrated even named him "Athlete of the Century" . He was born in 1942 as Cassius Clay, but changed his name into Muhammed Ali when he became a Muslim.
As a boxer, Muhammed Ali had a huge talent. While many heavy-weights relied mainly on pure power and strength, Ali moved incredibly fast and flexible around the ring. This can also be seen in his defense. Instead of holding his hands near his face, Ali held his gloves lower and relied on his speed to dodge his opponent. Ali himself called it "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee".
Muhammad Ali won his first heavy weight world title by defeating Sonny Liston in 1965.
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On 30th of October 1974, the (probably) two greatest boxers of all-time fought each other in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). This fight was titled "The Rumble In The Jungle" and has been called (arguably) the greatest sporting event of the 20th century.
Over a billion viewers worldwide saw that George Foreman grew tired during the match. Al his power wasn't a match for Ali's fast movement. At the eight round, Ali got his chance and hit Foreman with a hard right straight to the face, Foreman spinnend and went fell down on the canvas. After seven years Ali had regained his heavyweight world title by a knock-out! During his incredible career Muhammed Ali won 61 matches (37 by knock-out), three world titles and a golden medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. In 1984 Ali was diagnosed with Parkinsons, probably as a result of his boxing career. Muhammad "The Greatest" Ali died at 74 in 2016 as a result of this disease. |
Foreman falling to the canvas.
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Did you know?
Zaire's dictator president Mobutu Sese Seko paid each fighter 5 million U.S. dollars to stage the fight in Kinshasa.
Zaire's dictator president Mobutu Sese Seko paid each fighter 5 million U.S. dollars to stage the fight in Kinshasa.
Location:
Muhammad Ali and George Foreman fought each other in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Muhammad Ali and George Foreman fought each other in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo).
