He challenged the legitimacy of the Vietnam War and refused to enlist in the military at a time when few prominent Americans were protesting, an act of civil disobedience that led to his suspension from boxing for more than three years.
He joined the Nation of Islam at a time when the FBI and many journalists labeled the Muslim group a dangerous cult bent on destroying America. He openly attacked American racism at a time when the nation’s black athletes and celebrities were expected to acquiesce, to thank the white power structure that gave them the opportunity to earn wealth and celebrity, and to otherwise keep their mouths shut. He was the prettiest, the brashest, the baddest, the fastest, the loudest, the rashest. But it was his life outside the ring that inspired the strongest adjectives. Among boxers, he certainly ranked among the elite, having won the heavyweight title three times in his 21-year career. Muhammad Ali was one of the most influential athletes in American history, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who fought as well with his mouth and mind.Īli called himself “The Greatest,” and many agreed.
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