Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight : Cassius Clay Vs the United States of America

by Howard L. Bingham, Max Wallace

In 1966, Muhammad Ali announced his intention to refuse induction into the United States Army as a conscientious objector. This set off a five-year battle that would strip him of his world heavyweight title, bar him from boxing, and nearly send him to prison--all at the peak of his career as the greatest boxer in history.

Ali defiantly proclaimed his refusal to go to war with the assertion that it violated his beliefs as a Black Muslim. The subsequent legal battle proved to be a test tougher than fighting Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman combined. The struggle that followed Ali's principled stand, one of the pivotal moments of the Sixties, reverberated across lines demarcated by generation, class, race, and religion. This was the beginning of a divided and controversial period in American history, one that would mobilize young and old, blacks and whites, liberals and conservatives. At the forefront of this era, Ali's decision to fight the draft was a challenge not only to the status quo, but a catalyst for those who wished to change the system.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of these turbulent times, the book's fascinating cast of characters includes such names as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson, and J. Edgar Hoover.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction

271 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2000

Reviews

[Kusaimamekirai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting look at the religious and social worldview of Muhammad Ali and how he was targeted by the US government for his refusal to be drafted into the armed services during the Vietnam war. The author cites an interesting figure that in 1966 there out of 1,100,000 eligible men, only 353 of them were convicted for avoiding the draft. That the government zealously attempted to prosecute Ali for 7 years, despite court injunctions, judicial recommendations that he be allowed objector status, and little legal precedence, is a testament to the fear the white establishment had of Ali’s influence over young black men (The government also pursued criminal charges against members of the antiwar movement at a far higher rate than the general population).
While I enjoyed this book there were some problems as well. At one point, the author describes Senator Wayne Morse of Oregon (along with Ernest Gruening of Alaska the only two senators to vote against authorization for the Vietnam war) as a senator from Indiana. A small point perhaps, but not really a mistake that should be made. In addition, despite the title, only the last half of the book was devoted to Ali’s principled stand against going to Vietnam. While the first half of the book dealing with how he joined the Nation of Islam and its influence on his decision was interesting, there was no new information that hasn’t been written in biographies of Ali before.
While this is probably not the best book for those who are familiar with this part of Ali’s life, for someone who is new to it however, this is a very nice and informative primer.

[Sivasothi N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinatingly even Black America was in favour of the Vietnam war when it began. Ali’s principled response would be revealed to be prophetic by the exposure of the machinations of the American Empire decades later.

[Leo Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look into Ali's involvement with the Nation of Islam and his religion. However, the ending of the book was underwhelming. The lead up to the conclusion was at least two full chapters of the step by step process of Ali's legal battle, and the conclusion lasted only one and a half pages.

[Rahul Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Brilliant! Watched the documentary and then read the book. Both were equally engrossing. While the documentary dealt with the political and legal repercussions after Ali's refusal to get himself inducted in the Vietnam war, the book is more biographical in nature and we also get to know the social and cultural system that prevailed in the US during the mid 20th century. Anyone looking for a new idol, grab this book, immerse yourself fully and you'd most definitely get one.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was motivated to read this book after watching the marvelous movie by the same name. The movie concentrated on the Supreme Court deliberations and personalities for the Ali appeal of his conviction for draft evasion. I have endless fascination of the workings of the court and highly recommend Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong's excellent work, The Brethren, the history of the high court during the Warren Burger era.

The book touches only briefly on the court deliberations, which I found disappointing. The book is the entire story of Cassius Clay, his life and times, including his evolution to become Mohammad Ali. At the end, I realized that the story of Ali was the story of America in the 1960s. Ali was an icon, a despised truth-teller, a mirror on America into which we gauged and despised what we saw.

A good read. I recommend the book and the movie, both.

[Alex]

Overall this was a great book. I enjoyed many parts of this book. I liked how it gave many events that happened in his life, and told of how he accomplished his goals. This book was inspiring to me. It showed me that you can accomplish anything no matter what other people think. It told of feats he needed to accomplish to become an amazing boxer. As well as explaining the success stories of other boxing legends before Muhammad Ali. I recommend this book to any boxing or Muhammad Ali fans.

[J.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

an enjoyable read. it "set the record straight" according to the author but who really knows the truth. the myth of Muhammad Ali will forever be a myth, but an American Myth that we should all feel inspired by. Maybe one day we will all have the opportunity to stand up for our rights beliefs. Hopefully, we will have the courage as well...

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening

Growing up after Ali hung up his belt, I was not exposed to his story. Now that he is gone, I am sad I didn't know more about him much, much sooner. Why is this book not required reading in an American history class?

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, enjoyed reading it. I only wish the author focused more on Ali's poetry, I liked the poetry.

[RK Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

which one was this again? it was great, but i can't remember which one it was.