FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY, STING LIKE A BEE

Confused?! 

Wondering what the title is referring to?! Well... I guess (hope) few might have understood... many still wondering, and before anybody gets involved in a weird chain of thoughts, let me break the thinking-cloud!

I am referring to “The Greatest’’. This man is a man of words and without doubt, a man of smooth and flawless action. He is that sensational figure who changed the concept of boxing... and is idolized for his unorthodox fighting style and his unique techniques. Sharp in the ring with his quick hands and captivating in society with his vivid prose, he fashioned boxing by his unique style. The title is an epitome of ‘who he is and how he is’. As many of you have guessed by now, I am clearly referring to ‘the boxing legend-Muhammad Ali’. 

On the occasion of his 71^st birthday which falls on the 17^th of January,on behalf of the Ed-board I wish to pay tribute to this ‘living legendary figure’.

Muhammad Ali, a resident at Louisville, was born on January 17^th 1942. He is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and a social activist. Considered a cultural icon, Ali has both been idolized and vilified. He started his boxing training right at the age of 12 years and within a matter of six years, that is, by the age of 18 years (1960) he won all the possible titles of an amateur. His boxing career lasted for 21 years. He also won the gold Olympic medal for boxing in the 1960 Olympic Games. Despite the downfalls in his life, where his boxing career and champion title was stripped down, he returned to the boxing ring with a remarkable performance earning him ‘the only first and only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion.’

Muhammad Ali, needless to say, in every aspect of boxing; was electrifying. It is just not his unique boxing styles that has captured the attention of millions, his confident personality, daring attitude, his sense of humor,  has attracted many fan followers idolizing him to be ‘the greatest’.

“If you sign to fight me, increase your insurance.

Ali's got a left, Ali's got a right.

If he hits you once, you're asleep for the night."

-Muhammad Ali (before his first match)

Following being diagnosed with Parkinsonism in 1984, Ali was still involved with Boxing. 

He participated as a guest referee in many of the boxing matches.

 He was also involved with many of the good-will missions which took him to Kabul as the“UN Messenger Of peace’’. 

He also has his auto biography titled “The Greatest: My Own Story” written and published.

“Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”

― Muhammad Ali

There is this interesting fact that I came across while reading about him. It is called ‘The Muhammad Ali Effect’ a term used in psychology that was named after him when he stated, "I only said I was the greatest, not the smartest" in his autobiography. According to this effect, when people are asked to rate their intelligence and moral behavior in comparison to others, people will rate themselves as more moral, but not more intelligent than others.

‘Ali is the Renaissance of boxing!’

So wishing this Ultimate Legend a Happy Birthday!
                                                                
                                                                                 JUMANA 
                                                                                   BOT (3)