Over the past year, even the past week, we have witnessed the death of so many greats. Whether it be actors or actresses or sports athletes, each brings back memories of their greatest performances and the sadness that we will never be able to see them perform or even in person ever again. Each of these men and women has made huge impacts in their respective areas and will be deeply missed now that they are gone. But, there is one legend whose greatness touched everyone, even those who were not able to watch him fight. That legend was Muhammad Ali. Unfortunately, his greatness will now only be able to be seen through videos as the 74-year-old boxer passed away Friday, June 3 after being admitted to the hospital for respiratory issues.
The boxing great will always be remembered as one of the greatest athletes ever, making his opponents look silly, but also for his sayings and his confidence. Not only was Ali one of the greatest athletes of all time, he knew he was and he was not afraid to share it with everyone. He didn't beat around the bush either, he didn't take the high road and be humble, he came out and flat out said he was the greatest. Normally, that would get a lot of heat, but in a sport where trash talking is big and Ali back up his talk, it was encouraged. I can only sit here and watch videos from back when he was fighting, but it is easy to see how talented he was and how much of an inspiration he was to those of his race in that time. He will always be respected in the sport of boxing and he will always be "The Greatest" in the minds of so many around the world and that is how his legacy will live on.
Recommended for you
Now, Ali did have his ups and downs throughout his career as anyone would. One of the biggest knocks on Ali is that he refused to enter the war when he was called upon by the draft. That will also always stay with him, but it has not overtaken his legacy. It has not taken the front stage because of how good he was.
The specific clip that stands out to me is the clip of him dodging tons of punches in the corner of the ring. He was so quick and made everything look so easy. It always looked so easy for him to win fights and retain his reputation, but he also made it a point that even though he was the greatest, the greatest still get knocked down and it is all about how you respond. Another reason he was so great and why he was such an inspiration for those who watched him and still watch him today.
Unfortunately, Ali became a victim of Parkinson's disease and the greatest was weakened a little as his days went on, all the way until the day he died, but he still showed his face, still took that torch at the Olympics and lit the lamp. Again, the greatest will get knocked down too, but it is how you respond and he clearly responded well.
Now, all we can do is reminisce. Remember his great times as well as his bad and wish he could have given us just one more fight, no matter how unrealistic that is because no one would turn that down. One time to see the great quickness. One more time to see the powerful punch. One more time to see the greatest boxer of all time, but, unfortunately, we will never get that. The legend is in a better place now and his legacy lives on. Thank You for the great times you have given us on this earth. There will never be anyone else like you on this earth. You were truly something special.
"Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee."
Rest In Peace Muhammad Ali.
