What do you think?
Rate this book
Muhammad Ali : Biography
Recalls the life and career of the gold medalist boxer who, after an illustrious boxing career, used his fame to combat racism, crime, poverty, and illiteracy
180 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 26, 2024
AN EXCELLENT BIOGRAPHY OF THE BOXING LEGEND
Author John Stravinsky wrote in the first chapter of this 1997 book, “It was the economic inequities of life that weighed heavily on Cassius Clay, Sr., who would ramble long and loud about the white man as the devil who would up with all the money… That the best things in life weren’t free and that whites should not be trusted were probably the two most common lessons regularly hammered home in the Clay household. It’s ironic in this sense that the racial dogma preached by the father would play no small formative role in Muhammad Ali’s ultimate embrace of the separatist tenets of the Nation of Islam---an act that Clay, Sr., himself could never reconcile.” (Pg. 10)
A white cop who trained young boxers introduced Ali (Clay) to boxing when he was twelve, and living in Louisville, Kentucky. 15-year old Clay introduced himself to his future trainer, Angelo Dundee, when Dundee brought one of his fighters to Louisville for a fight. (Pg. 19) He won an Olympics Gold Medal, then turned pro and signed with a Louisville group. “So Clay rejected … Martin, the man who’d introduced him to boxing and had guided him to every one of his hundred-plus amateur bouts was out. The right game is not a place for sentiment… Clay felt that Martin was too much of an amateur trainer, ‘I need top-notch people,’ Clay explained.” (Pg. 24-25)
He defeated Sonny Liston for the championship, but “Within a month after defeating Liston, Cassius X became Muhammad Ali (meaning ‘worthy of all praise most high’ in Arabic), the name given him by Elijah Muhammad. Participating in white man’s sport, particularly boxing, was anathema to Elijah, who would nevertheless forsake principle in exchange for the benefits of adding such a famous missionary to his cause. Ali’s Muslim affiliations did little for his public image; nor did they enhance his earning power outside the ring, as several proposed endorsement deals fell through… most columnists were quick to turn on him for his religious beliefs, which years later they would grudgingly recognize to be legitimate.” (Pg. 54)
When Ali refused induction into the army and was stripped of his title, “The fact is, Ali could have chosen an obvious easier way out of his predicament. Like Joe Louis during World War II, he could very well have put on the uniform, allowed himself to be photographed a zillion times for troop morale, and boxed exhibitions along the way. With but token service for Uncle Sam, his career would have remained relatively intact at the same that he’d been ridding himself of negative press. But the fact remains that Ali too a strong personal stand on grounds that, in retrospect, hold up magnificently. He was headed to jail merely for opposing the most misguided military effort in American history… Ali could have kept his title and earning powers even while in uniform. Instead, he threw it all away for principles that are universally accepted today.” (Pg. 84-86)
Stravinsky notes, “Ali seemed reconciled to jail… But perhaps the cruelest blow of all during his exile came from the hand of Elijah Muhammad, who in April 1969 suspended Ali from the Nation of Islam. The suspension stemmed from some public remarks Ali had made about how he would ultimately return to boxing ‘if the money’s right.’ In Elijah’s eyes this amounted to crawling back to the white man to beg for money… For such a transgression, Elijah also stripped Ali of his name. Humbly apologetic, Ali would return to the good graces of his leader within a year.” (Pg. 90-91)
He points out, “Through all the upheaval in Ali’s life, in his role as celebrity and champion, there remained one constant: his devotion to the Nation of Islam and the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. Yet even those steadfast beliefs would change with the sudden death of Elijah Muhammed…. [in] 1975. Upon Elijah’s passing, his son Wallace Muhammad took over leadership and turned the group toward a less marginalized, more orthodox Islam. Ali followed the new doctrines of Wallace, which entailed acceptance of all races. ‘We Muslims hate injustice and evil,’ said Ali at the time, ‘but we don’t have time to hate white people. White people wouldn’t be here if God didn’t mean them to be.’” (Pg. 120)
He recounts, “His first title defense, against Chuck Wepner… is today remembered as the inspiration behind the Rocky movies… Ali’s messy March 1975 matchup with the unranked, brawling liquor salesman was attended by then unemployed actor Sylvester Stallone, who saw the germ of a screen idea in the contest between blue-collar underdog and polished champ… Ali left Wepner helpless on the ropes near the end of the fifteenth. One of the evening’s few highlights was a knockdown suffered by Ali that he claimed resulted not from a punch but from Wepner stepping on his foot and pushing him. (Fifteen years later, at a social gathering, Wepner thought himself unrecognized by Ali, until Ai ambled over and with a wink came down on Wepner’s foot.) ‘I figured I held my own with one of the greatest fighters that ever lived,’ said a proud Wepner after the fight.” (Pg. 120-121)
After a 1977 battle against Earnie Shavers, “Ali was once again urged … to retire … Laboratory results showed kidney damage, and doctors showed signs of neurological deterioration as well… The third Frazier fight, especially, had a detrimental effect that many believed marked the beginning of his neurological problems.” (Pg. 134-135)
In 1978 Ali fought Leon Spinks, “who had grown up idolizing Ali, [but] now identified with Stallone’s movie hero Rocky Balboa: ‘I d__n near threw my hat at the screen when he knocked the man down. Tears ran down my face.’ … Ali never took Spinks seriously, while the challenger … turned up in the best shape of his life… and the challenger gained a rightful split decision… The champ had been slipping, for sure---but turn the crown over to Leon Spinks? Afterward… Ali confessed thinking during the fight that ‘this kid is a tough son of a b__h.’ And when somebody later expressed surprise at the loss, Ali shot back, ‘You’re sitting down there ringside drinking beer and you think you’re surprised? I was up in the ring getting my a__ hit. You know I was surprised.’” (Pg. 138-139)
He comments, “One year into his retirement, Ali was traveling the world in his role as unofficial (and sometimes official) emissary for the Carter administration… When he returned to America, he took a very hard look at a comeback offer to right Larry Holmes for $8 million. There were many people opposed to Ali’s latest boxing comeback…. There were also those who would obviously benefit by Ali’s return… Don King needed this title fight to extend his stranglehold on the heavyweight division; the [Ali] entourage thirsted for any extension of Ali’s career… To quell public outcry and placate the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Muhammad Ali took and passed a neurological exam… [which] placed him in good health, but [also showed] what should have been some obvious red flags regarding motor coordination. Those close to him knew that he was slurring words… that he was slowing down---all signs of cumulative ring abuse.” (Pg. 145-146)
After losing his final 1981 fight against Trevor Berbick, “The next few years were empty and increasingly alone for the former champion… his health continued to erode, and he seemed despondent living in the Los Angeles mansion… Ali and Veronica… finally divorced in 1986… Alii ordered his lawyers to ignore [their pre-nuptial agreement]… As a result, Veronica received a generous settlement and came away with more money and property than Ali did. It was clear that Ali would need someone to care for him in year down the road the road… he had the good fortune to have at his side Yolanda [‘Lonnie’] Williams, a childhood admirer … fourteen years his junior… [They] were married in 1986 and have forged a stable and loving union ever since…. Lonnie Ali would play a great role in helping straighten out and manage Ali’s fragile finances… Ali readily forgave those who’d defrauded him of millions of dollars---even those who would return to try their hand again… Under Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam had turned back toward its separatist origins, and Ali now found himself aligned with the American Muslim Mission… led by … another of Elijah Muhammad’s sons.” (Pg. 149-150)
This relatively short book (abundantly filled with B&W photographs) will be “must reading” for those wanting to know more about this powerful and influential man.
Author John Stravinsky wrote in the first chapter of this 1997 book, “It was the economic inequities of life that weighed heavily on Cassius Clay, Sr., who would ramble long and loud about the white man as the devil who would up with all the money… That the best things in life weren’t free and that whites should not be trusted were probably the two most common lessons regularly hammered home in the Clay household. It’s ironic in this sense that the racial dogma preached by the father would play no small formative role in Muhammad Ali’s ultimate embrace of the separatist tenets of the Nation of Islam---an act that Clay, Sr., himself could never reconcile.” (Pg. 10)
A white cop who trained young boxers introduced Ali (Clay) to boxing when he was twelve, and living in Louisville, Kentucky. 15-year old Clay introduced himself to his future trainer, Angelo Dundee, when Dundee brought one of his fighters to Louisville for a fight. (Pg. 19) He won an Olympics Gold Medal, then turned pro and signed with a Louisville group. “So Clay rejected … Martin, the man who’d introduced him to boxing and had guided him to every one of his hundred-plus amateur bouts was out. The right game is not a place for sentiment… Clay felt that Martin was too much of an amateur trainer, ‘I need top-notch people,’ Clay explained.” (Pg. 24-25)
He defeated Sonny Liston for the championship, but “Within a month after defeating Liston, Cassius X became Muhammad Ali (meaning ‘worthy of all praise most high’ in Arabic), the name given him by Elijah Muhammad. Participating in white man’s sport, particularly boxing, was anathema to Elijah, who would nevertheless forsake principle in exchange for the benefits of adding such a famous missionary to his cause. Ali’s Muslim affiliations did little for his public image; nor did they enhance his earning power outside the ring, as several proposed endorsement deals fell through… most columnists were quick to turn on him for his religious beliefs, which years later they would grudgingly recognize to be legitimate.” (Pg. 54)
When Ali refused induction into the army and was stripped of his title, “The fact is, Ali could have chosen an obvious easier way out of his predicament. Like Joe Louis during World War II, he could very well have put on the uniform, allowed himself to be photographed a zillion times for troop morale, and boxed exhibitions along the way. With but token service for Uncle Sam, his career would have remained relatively intact at the same that he’d been ridding himself of negative press. But the fact remains that Ali too a strong personal stand on grounds that, in retrospect, hold up magnificently. He was headed to jail merely for opposing the most misguided military effort in American history… Ali could have kept his title and earning powers even while in uniform. Instead, he threw it all away for principles that are universally accepted today.” (Pg. 84-86)
Stravinsky notes, “Ali seemed reconciled to jail… But perhaps the cruelest blow of all during his exile came from the hand of Elijah Muhammad, who in April 1969 suspended Ali from the Nation of Islam. The suspension stemmed from some public remarks Ali had made about how he would ultimately return to boxing ‘if the money’s right.’ In Elijah’s eyes this amounted to crawling back to the white man to beg for money… For such a transgression, Elijah also stripped Ali of his name. Humbly apologetic, Ali would return to the good graces of his leader within a year.” (Pg. 90-91)
He points out, “Through all the upheaval in Ali’s life, in his role as celebrity and champion, there remained one constant: his devotion to the Nation of Islam and the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. Yet even those steadfast beliefs would change with the sudden death of Elijah Muhammed…. [in] 1975. Upon Elijah’s passing, his son Wallace Muhammad took over leadership and turned the group toward a less marginalized, more orthodox Islam. Ali followed the new doctrines of Wallace, which entailed acceptance of all races. ‘We Muslims hate injustice and evil,’ said Ali at the time, ‘but we don’t have time to hate white people. White people wouldn’t be here if God didn’t mean them to be.’” (Pg. 120)
He recounts, “His first title defense, against Chuck Wepner… is today remembered as the inspiration behind the Rocky movies… Ali’s messy March 1975 matchup with the unranked, brawling liquor salesman was attended by then unemployed actor Sylvester Stallone, who saw the germ of a screen idea in the contest between blue-collar underdog and polished champ… Ali left Wepner helpless on the ropes near the end of the fifteenth. One of the evening’s few highlights was a knockdown suffered by Ali that he claimed resulted not from a punch but from Wepner stepping on his foot and pushing him. (Fifteen years later, at a social gathering, Wepner thought himself unrecognized by Ali, until Ai ambled over and with a wink came down on Wepner’s foot.) ‘I figured I held my own with one of the greatest fighters that ever lived,’ said a proud Wepner after the fight.” (Pg. 120-121)
After a 1977 battle against Earnie Shavers, “Ali was once again urged … to retire … Laboratory results showed kidney damage, and doctors showed signs of neurological deterioration as well… The third Frazier fight, especially, had a detrimental effect that many believed marked the beginning of his neurological problems.” (Pg. 134-135)
In 1978 Ali fought Leon Spinks, “who had grown up idolizing Ali, [but] now identified with Stallone’s movie hero Rocky Balboa: ‘I d__n near threw my hat at the screen when he knocked the man down. Tears ran down my face.’ … Ali never took Spinks seriously, while the challenger … turned up in the best shape of his life… and the challenger gained a rightful split decision… The champ had been slipping, for sure---but turn the crown over to Leon Spinks? Afterward… Ali confessed thinking during the fight that ‘this kid is a tough son of a b__h.’ And when somebody later expressed surprise at the loss, Ali shot back, ‘You’re sitting down there ringside drinking beer and you think you’re surprised? I was up in the ring getting my a__ hit. You know I was surprised.’” (Pg. 138-139)
He comments, “One year into his retirement, Ali was traveling the world in his role as unofficial (and sometimes official) emissary for the Carter administration… When he returned to America, he took a very hard look at a comeback offer to right Larry Holmes for $8 million. There were many people opposed to Ali’s latest boxing comeback…. There were also those who would obviously benefit by Ali’s return… Don King needed this title fight to extend his stranglehold on the heavyweight division; the [Ali] entourage thirsted for any extension of Ali’s career… To quell public outcry and placate the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Muhammad Ali took and passed a neurological exam… [which] placed him in good health, but [also showed] what should have been some obvious red flags regarding motor coordination. Those close to him knew that he was slurring words… that he was slowing down---all signs of cumulative ring abuse.” (Pg. 145-146)
After losing his final 1981 fight against Trevor Berbick, “The next few years were empty and increasingly alone for the former champion… his health continued to erode, and he seemed despondent living in the Los Angeles mansion… Ali and Veronica… finally divorced in 1986… Alii ordered his lawyers to ignore [their pre-nuptial agreement]… As a result, Veronica received a generous settlement and came away with more money and property than Ali did. It was clear that Ali would need someone to care for him in year down the road the road… he had the good fortune to have at his side Yolanda [‘Lonnie’] Williams, a childhood admirer … fourteen years his junior… [They] were married in 1986 and have forged a stable and loving union ever since…. Lonnie Ali would play a great role in helping straighten out and manage Ali’s fragile finances… Ali readily forgave those who’d defrauded him of millions of dollars---even those who would return to try their hand again… Under Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam had turned back toward its separatist origins, and Ali now found himself aligned with the American Muslim Mission… led by … another of Elijah Muhammad’s sons.” (Pg. 149-150)
This relatively short book (abundantly filled with B&W photographs) will be “must reading” for those wanting to know more about this powerful and influential man.
October 11, 2020
I was a child growing up and never understood all the chatter, the hoopla around this loud-mouthed man. Those were my thoughts during those times.
Reading this book opened my eyes to the courage, the audacity, the humor, and the intelligence of the legend from Kentucky. He was a champion, held in regard to being a god for his talents and abilities, but the author does such an amazing job of showing the much more human and flawed areas of his personal life.
I finished this book with a new and profound respect for The Greatest. And I agree with title. It was created, earned.
Ali Bomaye!
Reading this book opened my eyes to the courage, the audacity, the humor, and the intelligence of the legend from Kentucky. He was a champion, held in regard to being a god for his talents and abilities, but the author does such an amazing job of showing the much more human and flawed areas of his personal life.
I finished this book with a new and profound respect for The Greatest. And I agree with title. It was created, earned.
Ali Bomaye!
Read
January 5, 2009 Muhammed Ali not only captured the eye of the boxing world but also the world of political views and media. Ali grew in fame inside and outside the ring, showing great determination in each and every goal he set and acheived, he was an icon to many and showed that a rough and tough boxer wasnt all about fighting physically but fighting big issues in politics. He was very outspoken on topics such as racism and segragation. So not only was Ali labeled as "The Greatest" but a strong civil rights activist, too.
Entering the boxing world with his debut appearance in the 1960 world olympics, Ali stole the show by gold medaling and not only taking it home for Team USA but making a start to his new found career. Each match took months of preparation and he quiclky relized good things happen over time. This also made him relize that other things in the world needed time to change. Ali's start of his career was around the same time that the climax of racism and segragation were coming into play. Balancing being the best boxer in sports entertainment and striving for better treatment for the black population, he took one challenge after challenge and took out his competiton in the ring and out of it.
This book mainly describes the impact of Muhammed Ali on society. The book doesnt really go into detail with Ali's whole life story, just the basic storyline of marriages, his boxing career, retirement and then devoting himself to being an activst. Its a simple yet attention getting book, you can either get your basic fix or Muhammed Ali or end up really being interested and want to know more about him and his single man quest to change political views. Ali's iconic persona captured fans of boxing and lobbyist all around the world. He was a man that set his goals high and took on a lot more than most anyother person could handle. Somehow he managed to be "The Greatest" boxer alive and still stayed buisness like enough to change lobbyists point of views.
Would i recomend this book? Yes and no. I would because if gives you a great look at one of Americas undiscovered heroes. It really shows the soft side to the giants that step foot in a ring to fight their way to victory. This is deffiantly a story you would never think of hearing from a world champion boxer like Muhammed Ali. Now, I dont think I'd recommend this book just for the simple fact that its doesnt go in depth with a lot of the topics, it just mentions them breifly and gives a litle summary on what happened. It skips over some parts that might have influenced Ali to act out this certain way and be so involved in political changes.
"After i beat him, I'll convert him." page 53
- This quote means that he took his beliefs to the ring and it just shows how changing the world was always on his mind.
"Age is mind over matter---as long as you dont mind it dont matter" page 148
- Usually when a boxer retires the rest of his life is very calm and relaxed, not Ali. He says his life just started to begin at age 40 and started his career in the mainstream, not as a boxer but a activist.
Entering the boxing world with his debut appearance in the 1960 world olympics, Ali stole the show by gold medaling and not only taking it home for Team USA but making a start to his new found career. Each match took months of preparation and he quiclky relized good things happen over time. This also made him relize that other things in the world needed time to change. Ali's start of his career was around the same time that the climax of racism and segragation were coming into play. Balancing being the best boxer in sports entertainment and striving for better treatment for the black population, he took one challenge after challenge and took out his competiton in the ring and out of it.
This book mainly describes the impact of Muhammed Ali on society. The book doesnt really go into detail with Ali's whole life story, just the basic storyline of marriages, his boxing career, retirement and then devoting himself to being an activst. Its a simple yet attention getting book, you can either get your basic fix or Muhammed Ali or end up really being interested and want to know more about him and his single man quest to change political views. Ali's iconic persona captured fans of boxing and lobbyist all around the world. He was a man that set his goals high and took on a lot more than most anyother person could handle. Somehow he managed to be "The Greatest" boxer alive and still stayed buisness like enough to change lobbyists point of views.
Would i recomend this book? Yes and no. I would because if gives you a great look at one of Americas undiscovered heroes. It really shows the soft side to the giants that step foot in a ring to fight their way to victory. This is deffiantly a story you would never think of hearing from a world champion boxer like Muhammed Ali. Now, I dont think I'd recommend this book just for the simple fact that its doesnt go in depth with a lot of the topics, it just mentions them breifly and gives a litle summary on what happened. It skips over some parts that might have influenced Ali to act out this certain way and be so involved in political changes.
"After i beat him, I'll convert him." page 53
- This quote means that he took his beliefs to the ring and it just shows how changing the world was always on his mind.
"Age is mind over matter---as long as you dont mind it dont matter" page 148
- Usually when a boxer retires the rest of his life is very calm and relaxed, not Ali. He says his life just started to begin at age 40 and started his career in the mainstream, not as a boxer but a activist.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews