Muhammad Ali, an American destiny
Description
Cassius Clay , who became Muhammad Ali after his conversion to Islam, is not only the greatest boxer of all time, but his fame has gone beyond the world of sport. A three-time world heavyweight champion, Ali was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated . But also, "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC. Ali's boxing was brilliant, aerial and danceable; his personality, incredible and provocative. He is The Greatest .
Extract
"Ali's boxing system can often be confused with dance boxing. Because, and everyone knows it, Ali finds the apotheosis in his lucid boxing which develops his argument. It is an aerial dance where the feet only touch the ground to bounce following the obsessive rhythm desired by Ali.
Let me share a personal experience. I didn't know much about the American dream when I went to a boxing match one evening out of boredom. In the "American Star" category, there was a clash of heavyweights, the "mastars", and I expected without joy to see two "big guys" punching each other in the face. And to confuse them in the jets of blood produced by their open arcades. One of the "mastars" seemed to illustrate the essence of the heavyweight: he was screwed to the felt mat of the ring, sketching a right hook, while he used his left like a lightning rod. And the other one... it was unbelievable! We saw him dancing, improvising his entire choreography, which a classical dancer does not do. Clay brought something new to the very old essence of boxing. I don't like the word "great", sadly manipulated. But Clay's boxing was great. If you had lost a few pounds, you would have taken him for a great skater. His boxing was a wild waltz, and I was delighted, charmed... "
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