Muhammad Ali’s early years.

Cassius Clay won gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

With Dundee in his corner, from his Miami base, Cassius blazed a trail through the heavyweight division with his unorthodox style that defied boxing logic. He was a “headhunter.” He never threw body shots (he adopted this style in his youth because he had reach and because he didn’t want to get close enough to get hit). And he “danced.” Because of Clay’s powerful legs-maybe the strongest in the history of boxing-he literally floated in the ring. He invented the “Ali Shuffle;” a foot maneuver where he would elevate himself, shuffle his feet in a dazzling blur, and sometimes deliver a blow while dancing.

The third element that Clay brought to boxing was his mouth. He never shut up. He became known as, “The Louisville Lip.” It was more than banter; it was a constant harangue. In a time when boxers never talked to the media-their managers always spoke for them-Clay did all his own talking. He even went so far as to predict the round. “To prove I’m great he will fall in eight!”

Muhammad Ali the beginning

Cassius Clay

Young Cassius dedicated himself to boxing with fervor unmatched by other young boxers. Indeed, it was his only activity. As a teenager, he never worked. He boxed and trained. He had 108 amateur bouts. According to Joe Martin, Clay set himself apart from the other boys by two things: He was “sassy,” and he outworked all the other boys. The work paid off: 6 Kentucky Golden Gloves championships; two National Golden Gloves championships; two National AAU titles before he was 18 years old. And the son of Odessa, whom he lovingly referred to as “Bird,” and Cassius senior, “Cash,” to everyone, won the Olympic Gold Medal in 1960 in Rome months after his 18th birthday.

Although Cassius returned home to a parade, Louisville was still, in 1960 part of the segregated South. Even with a medal around his neck, Cassius was refused service at a local restaurant.

At the time, Cassius was managed by the Louisville Sponsoring Group, a consortium of wealthy local white businessmen. The LSG, as it became known, put young Cassius with veteran trainer, Angelo Dundee, after failed attempts with the Mongoose, Archie Moore, and a turn down by Ali’s boxing idol, Sugar Ray Robinson.

Muhammad Ali the Boxer

Ali the boxer

by Gregory Allen Howard, a friend of Ali, is the award-winning screenwriter of Remember the Titans

Who would’ve thought that a stolen bike was the key to the beginning of the Muhammad Ali story? But it was. In 1954 in Louisville, Kentucky, 12-year-old Cassius Marcellus Clay’s bike was stolen while he and a friend were at the Columbia Auditorium. Young Cassius found a cop in a gym, Joe Martin, and boiling with youthful rage, told Martin he was going to “whup” whoever stole his bike. Martin admonished, “You better learn to box first.” Within weeks, 89-pound Cassius had his first bout‚ and his first win. For the next 27 years, Cassius would be in that ring. Even in his youth, he had dreams of being heavyweight champion of the world. But his life would take turns that no seer could’ve predicted.

Muhammad Ali the Artist

Muhammad Ali the movie

Ever the entertainer, Muhammad has appeared in several motion pictures, including the big-screen adaptation of his first autobiography, The Greatest, playing himself. His life has been the subject of numerous films, including the Academy Award-winning documentary When We Were Kings and Michael Mann’s biopic, ALI, starring Will Smith.

Muhammad starred in the television film, Freedom Road, and has made guest numerous appearances on numerous popular television series ranging from Diff’rent Strokes to Touched by an Angel. He also starred on Broadway in the short-lived musical, Big Time Buck White, and recorded a popular album, I Am The Greatest!

Muhammad recently published a memoir entitled, The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey, in which he discusses the meaning of religion, forgiveness, and some of the defining moments in his life and career. He is also the co-author of Healing: A Journal of Tolerance and Understanding and The Greatest: My Own Story.

In 2005, Muhammad opened the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to displaying a selection of his memorabilia, the Center’s exhibits focus on themes of peace, social responsibility, respect, and personal growth. In 2006, he partnered with CKX, Inc. to form Muhammad Ali Enterprises for the licensing of his name, image, and likeness and to continue promoting his cultural and philosophical legacy throughout the world.

Muhammad has nine children: Maryum, Rasheda, Jamillah, Hana, Laila, Khaliah, Miya, Muhammad, and Asaad. He is married to the former Lonnie Williams of Louisville, whom he has known since her family moved across the street from the Clay family when she was 6 years old.

Whether promoting tolerance and understanding, feeding the hungry, studying his religion, or reaching out to children in need, Muhammad Ali is devoted to making the world a better place for all people. No athlete has ever contributed more to the life of his country, or the world, than Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad ALi the Leader

Muhammad ALi the Leader

Muhammad’s life and career have been played out as much on the front pages of newspapers as on the inside sports pages. His early relationship with the Nation of Islam and his insistence on being called Muhammad Ali instead of his “slave name,” Cassius Clay, heralded a new era in black pride. His refusal to be inducted into the United States Army anticipated the growing antiwar movement of the 1960’s. His willingness to stage his much-promoted and publicized fights in such far-flung locales as Kinshasa, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur signaled a shift from superpower dominance toward a growing awareness of the developing world.Daring to go against political policy to help people in need, Muhammad has made goodwill missions to Afghanistan and North Korea; delivered sorely-needed medical supplies to an embargoed Cuba; traveled to Iraq and secured the release of 15 United States hostages during the first Gulf War; and journeyed to South Africa to meet Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison.

Muhammad Ali, painting presentation

Muhammad Ali & Lonnie Ali painting presentation

 1 week ago: Muhammad Ali, right, is presented with two paintings as his wife Lonnie Ali, far right, and presenter Ashley Judd, second from left, look on at the inaugural Bluegrass Ball Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, in Washington.

Muhammad Ali & Lonnie painting presentation

1 week ago: Kentucky Gov. Steven L. Beshear, left, presents Muhammad Ali, center, with a bust of Abraham Lincoln as his wife Lonnie Ali looks on at the inaugural Bluegrass Ball Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, in Washington.

Muhammad Ali the Champion

 

Muhammad Ali the Champion

 

Muhammad has constantly been recognized for his contributions to sports. His honors include:
• Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Century”
• BBC’s “Sports Personality of the Century”
• GQ magazine’s “Athlete of the Century”
• World Sports Award’s “World Sportsman of the Century”
 

As a boxer, Muhammad brought unprecedented speed and grace to his sport, while his charm and wit changed forever what the public expected a champion to be. His accomplishments in the ring are the stuff of legend – two fights with Sonny Liston, where he proclaimed himself “The Greatest” and proved he was; three epic wars with Joe Frazier; the stunning victory over George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle; and dethroning Leon Spinks to become heavyweight champion for an unprecedented third time. But there was always far more to Muhammad than what took place in a boxing ring.

Muhammad Ali, The Man

 

Muhammad Ali, The Man

 

He’s still the most recognizable man on earth. And over forty years after he burst onto the scene as a gold-medal winner at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Muhammad Ali remains a magical figure, known and loved throughout the world.

His success as a boxer is widely respected, but Ali’s greatest triumph lies in his legacy as a champion, leader, humanitarian, and artist. His work both inside and outside the ring truly makes Muhammad Ali “The Greatest of All Time.”

Muhammad Ali to be Guest of Honor at Formal Dinner in Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Center

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali will be the guest of honor at a black tie formal dinner taking place at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Center. A 4 day, 3 night event has been organized by CWH Promotions and Silverback Event Management.

Also in attendance at the dinner will be Sir Henry Cooper, a national hero in England, and the only opponent Ali ever faced both before and after becoming heavyweight champion. The original Temptations will perform during the gala dinner, and Ali himself will pose for photographs will all attendees.

Attendees are provided with luxury accommodations, meals, transportation, and a complete day at Churchill Downs where participants will watch racing action from a private suite named “Millionaires Row.” After the racing event, attendees will board the Louisville Belle Steamboat for a two hour trip including buffet and jazz band entertainment.

For those from the USA who  wish to attend this amazing  event, we can offer the same package without transport and accommodation whereby you will attend and enjoy the dinner, racing, and Louisviile Belle.

Tickets are still available for The Greatest Sporting Dinner Ever.  Interested in having an Ali  hand signed piece of boxing history Click Here:

To purchase a ticket go to www.ali-event.co.uk.

Contact:
For more information email: info@ali-event.co.uk
or
Carl Holness: info@cwhpromotions.co.uk.
01782 838 886 / 07768 244 369

NOTE: Originally slated for June 12, the event has been re-scheduled.  Be in touch directly with CWH at the contact information above, or look here at ali.com for upcoming announcements.

Muhammad Ali’s Fight Night, Celebrities raises more than $7.5 million

Muhammad Ali on a videoscreen. Fight Night XIV held at the JW Marriott Resort - show. Phoenix, Arizona - 05.04.08

Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night XIV raised a total of more than $7.5 million dollars for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, as well as several other worthy charities. Fight Night was held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

Oscar winning Director, actor and producer Kevin Costner was presented with the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Achievement Award during. The actor delivered a moving acceptance speech to a riveted crowd. 

“Muhammad Ali changed our lives, and not just because he was the greatest boxer who ever lived. He was,” Costner said. “More than any other person in sports history, he represented to me the effect that a champion can have on the world when they leave their sport.”

Other honorees included legendary music mogul Clive Davis, football player LaDainian Tomlinson, and singer/actress Reba McEntire, who also served as the emcee for the evening.

The show kicked off with a rousing performance from country music star Collin Raye, who got the crowd on its feet with his hit “That’s My Story.” Legendary diva Dionne Warwick received a standing ovation for her performance of the hit “I’ll Never Love this Way Again.” Arizona native and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks entertained with two songs. Guests received a very special treat when presenter Faith Hill came to the stage to perform her hit song “This Kiss” after a generous bidder offered $100,000 to the organization to hear her sing. Honoree Reba McEntire also took the stage with a crowd pleasing performance of “Love Revival.” Comedian Sinbad performed a hilarious stand-up routine. John Mellencamp, recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, closed out the show with a five song set that included his hits “Jack & Diane,” “Small Town,” and “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” at the request of the Champ himself.

 

The event also featured an exciting live auction offering one of-a-kind luxury item, such as dinner at Reba McEntire’s Beverly Hills, California home which went for $500,000, an extreme skate party hosted by Tony Hawk, a unique golf experience and dinner with legendary golfer Arnold Palmer which was purchased for $600,000, a dream day on the golf course with Phil Mickelson for $500,000, an intimate gourmet dinner with the Lonnie and Muhammad Ali for $200,000, dinner in one of the finest restaurants with David Foster and Andrea Bocelli which went for $260,000, and a one-of-a-kind 2008 Roush P-51A Mustang Convertible which sold for $300,000.

Each year dozens of celebrity guests attend the event that has raised more than $50 million dollars in 14 years. Celebrity Fight Night Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1994 by Jimmy Walker and has been supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, as well as several other worthy charities.