Later in life, Ali himself admitted he regretted that situation. Ali also disowned Malcolm X after Malcolm X fell out of favor with the Nation of Islam. For some, their behavior was a set back to progress made by King and others. While Martin Luther King Jr was fighting for integration and equality, Ali joined the militant, separatist sect of the Nation Of Islam. Ali was far from perfect he was completely human. He was a man of convictions and I find the honorable and courageous. In addition, his refusal came before the war lost support at home, and Ali's reputation suffered as a well. He paid a dear price for his recalcitrance - a forfeiture of his title, and millions of dollars in revenue from prospective fights/endorsements. During this time, there was talk of getting Ali a cushy non-combat job, but he still refused. His refusal to being drafted was an inspiration to many African Americans. His membership in the Nation of Islam, his friendship, and then estrangement to Malcolm X, his refusal to be drafted in Vietnam, his scathing lip, all clearly defined Ali during his early days. Both of these opponents go on to play significant roles in Ali's life, and both left indelible marks on Ali's career.Īli's was a product of his time. The book starts out by describing Patterson's and Liston's tough childhoods, and their rise to fame in the chaotic boxing world. This book covers Ali's childhood through his Patterson/Liston fights. One does not need to be knowledgeable about the sport of boxing, nor a particular fan of boxing, to find this book entertaining and enlightening. The prose is pure butter: elegant, but also smooth and riveting. Wow, this has to be one of my favorite all-time sports biographies.
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