When I was a little girl I remember my dad having a love for boxing and always watching it on television. My dad would invite family and friends over to watch boxing matches at our home.. My dad would barbeque, have beer, and my mom would make homemade chili, salsa, tortillas, beans and rice. As the pre-boxing fighters were fighting, my dad would play oldies such as Brentwood, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson, Al Green, The Temptations among a lot of other artists. Then he would start making the numbers so everyone could make and add their bets for the knock out round. Oh, lets not forget about all us kids. My cousins would come over, our coke machine fully stocked with coke—it was the bottled coke and it was so good. My dad used to get so excited for the awesome Cassuis Clay, also known as Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time. Watching Muhammad Ali fight growing up was an awesome experience especially when boxing was at its finest.
For those who don't know, Muhammad Ali was a social justice advocate. He was also known for standing up to the American Government in the late 1960’s. He refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War because of his religious beliefs. The court stripped him from boxing and he wasn’t allowed in the ring. Cassuis Clay changed his name in the early 1960’s because he believed that his birth name was a slave name, and he wanted freedom from this name. So when he changed to Islam, he changed his name as well.
“He who is not courageous enough to take a risk will accomplish nothing in life,” said Muhammad Ali.
Standing up to the American Government couldn’t have been easy for Muhammad, but he stood his ground fought the government and won his defense. Once the trial was over Muhammad was allowed to enter the boxing ring. Muhammad won his first Olympic gold medal in 1960 and became the champion of boxing in 1964. Muhammad had rough and tough years but was able to become a champion in so many ways. I’ve followed Muhammad Ali since I was a little girl because of my dad. My dad introduced Muhammad Ali to me growing up, therefore I can go on and on about him.
I want to add the impact Muhammad Ali had on my family life and experiences. Growing up and watching this amazing boxer fighting in the ring, Muhammad Ali was an impressive leader and mentor. Muhammad Ali traveled around the world speaking of peace. He made a big impact in so many peoples lives that even in death he leaves an tremendous legacy.
Muhammad Ali also said, “If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize.”
I loved that my dad entertained the boxing fights at our home. Especially when Muhammad Ali was fighting, because family would come over watch the fight, eat, and bond. I cried when Muhammad Ali passed away because I love Muhammad Ali as a person, but also because of what he has accomplished and all the memories of my dad. May his legacy continue on by his family. Rest in Paradise, as your heart desired Mr. Muhammad Ali.
" Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raaji'oon"
'To Allah we belong and to Him is our return.'
