Ali was a transformational figure in history. I know that it is in vogue to make more of a persons life, once they have past but for him, it's really true. Some hated the man, some loved him. He was controversial but he was also transformational. The things he did in his life were truly turning points in American History. Yes, it's true, he was one of the truly great athletes of our times and he was one of the Greatest Fighters in the History of the Sport but he was so much more. His decisions on the Draft were a turning point in how this country views War. His decision to convert from Christianity to Islam were ground breaking in this country. The way he used his career to actually become the first true Sports Brand, before Nike and before any other athlete did it. The way he used his career to effect politics and humanitarian cause were truly groundbreaking.
I know that not everyone was a fan but I was. He was not my favorite Fighter, or even Heavy Weight, but I was a fan of Muhammad Ali and I'll say this, I was a much bigger fan after he retired from the Sport of Boxing. The way he faced life after boxing was a much bigger testament, then anything he ever did in the ring.
Today I am very sad of the passing of this man but I am also happy that he no longer has to deal with what could only have been a most frustrating, painful way of living.
RIP Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., (Mohammad Ali) ~ The Greatest Of All Time
January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016