MUHAMMAD ALI TRIBUTE

" Floats  like a butterfly,  sting  like bee. "

My life took a turn in 1971 after I saw him fight Smokin' Joe Frazier for 15 grueling 

rounds for the unified Heavyweight Championship of the World.  It was the first time I saw a boxing
match, an extra-ordinary one, fitting the once undefeated heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali
against the then reigning champion who was also undefeated. The fight was dubbed as the "Fight of
the Century" and the very popular Howard Cossell, as the color commentator.

            It was war from the starting bell and Ali showed his dominance in the early rounds peppering
Frazier with his left jab and occasionally snapping Joe's head with right straights. But as the fight progressed, Ali's 3 years of inactivity due to his draft dodging case took its toll, and he faded int the
later rounds. A near knock down in the 11th and Ali hitting the deck in the 15th from Frazier's left
hook caused him a unanimous decision loss.

           But it was just a new beginning. The next ten years proved more dramatic after he was able
to regain the crown from the almost invincible George Foreman. And then established himself as the greatest heavyweight champion of his time when he caused Joe Frazier to  quit in the 14th round in
their third fight, better known as the "Thrilla in Manila." He lost to Leon Spinks 3 years later but
bounced back in a rematch a year later to be the first heavyweight to win the title 3 times. Then
father-time took its toll and he finally retired in 1981 after a loss to a rising fighter named Trevor
Berbick.

          The world mourned when Ali was diagnosed with "Parkinson's disease" but as his body
deteriorated his image as spiritual leader grew.   He advised people not to pity him for he said
he has enjoyed his early life to the fullest and he accepted his fate with humility as he bowed to
God's Will.  He spent his remaining years strenghtening his faith.

           This video by Billy Crystal highlighted his achievements.





        In June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali died in Scotdale. Arizona.

        And again, here is Billy Crystal's tribute on Ali's Internment

" CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN IS EASY, 

ITS THE SMALL STONES THAT GETS INTO 

YOUR SHOES THAT MAKES THE

JOURNEY DIFFICULT.  "

"  I  hated training, every minute of it ...

but I know you have to train hard to become a champion. "

" Its just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, 

waves pound the sand.

I beat up people. "

--Just some quotes popularized by Muhammad Ali