Many people were there for various reasons. I knowyou've got him. He made all of us. Of course, he had a strange job, beating people up. As quoted by Lisa L. Colangelo and Clem Richardson in "Muhammad Ali Defends His Religion,". In Korea they werent bad but they still dropped the bomb. Hitch him up! But I get up every day and try to live life to the fullest because each day is a gift from God. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. No white man says hes not the devil. If youre just looking for presentation services though, please just exit out this box and continue along. Im not involved in a power struggle between black and white. I have wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale, I done handcuffed lightnin', thrown thunder in jail. Muhammad Ali, original name Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., (born January 17, 1942, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.died June 3, 2016, Scottsdale, Arizona), American professional boxer and social activist. Nobody. Following are some quotations from Ali, who died on Friday at 74: RELATED: Key Fights in Muhammad Ali's Career, Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Press conference, March 9, 1971, following his defeat to Frazier, quoted in, "The Silent Warrior", dedicated to Joe Frazier and his family, p. 112, Poem composed in 1963 prior to his match with Sonny Liston, as quoted by Bill Traughber in "Brash Clay waxed poetic in 1963 visit to Nashville," Nashville's. I'd like to borrow his body for just forty-eight hours there are three guys I'd like to beat up, and four women I'd like to make love to. Personality And Expression Of Muhammad Ali - Edubirdie I done tussled with a whale', The Greatest speech - 1974 17 September 1974, Waldorf Astoria, New York, USA It is befitting that I leave the game just like I came in, beating a big bad monster who knocks out everybody and no one can whup him. And Id have whooped the world for America. 'He played Muhammad Ali, I played Pookie!': Chris Rock FINALLY breaks Because they were kinda dangerous. I have wrestled with an alligator. Archie's been living off the fat of the land. Alleged response by Ali to a reporter who asked how he felt about sharing the Islamic faith with the suspects of the World Trade Center terrorist attack, as debunked at. He believed he was destined to be the greatest boxer of all time. Right after Joe Frazier, while he was still resting, I fought James Ellis. And I heard her tell the manager, and he said, Well, hes got to go out. They put me out. I didnt run with a gang - I didnt have time. And I was in the rain on my bicycle and I was leaning over listening to a fellows radio in a car. You might dispute that. And if I hurt my man Im going to let him go and Im not going to kill him just because somebodys watching. <> He has no rhythm, no footwork, no class, he cannot talk. MA: If a man dreamed to be, they better wake up and apologise. I beat people up. Comment about George Foreman prior to the "Rumble in the Jungle" match, when referee Clayton warned Ali that if he didn't stop talking he would stop the fight. It would have to be a holy war declared by God himself. Muhammad Ali was a global superstar when he was interviewed by Michael Parkinson in 1971. But its nature to be with your own. I went to the bank laughing every time. And what am I going to tell you? Never. Tags: audience, inspiration, perspective, public speaking, quotes, speech, tribute, Video, Your email address will not be published. I said that before I knew I was." We all have greatness inside ourselves. He had previously lost against Ken Norton and Joe Frazier, and many thought that his career was coming to an end, but Ali knew that this was not the case. So now that Im free, now that Im no longer a slave, then I want a name of my ancestors. Who would thought only of themselves and kill their race? Called the "Thrilla In Manila," that fight arguably is one of the greatest in Ali's career. There were more chapters to follow. Then I fought the rough Oscar Bonavena - the man who almost whooped Joe Frazier. In The Greatest: My Own Story, Ali says, Its the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And the angel fruit cake was the white cake and the devil food cake was the chocolate cake. MA: If Im attacked, fight like hell. My name is known in Serbia, Pakistan, Morocco. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round. Red birds fly wanna be with red birds. He was a slave trader from England. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen. He believed without a doubt that he was the best fighter of all time, and he even pushed this belief upon his opponents. MP: You mentioned that you wrote poetry other than boxing - do you ever write about this other side of you? Ali was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions; he successfully defended this title 19 times. Inspirational Speeches: Muhammad Ali I am The Greatest - Majic 102.1 What about other black athletes - in particular Floyd Paterson. Ali won via 15th round unanimous decision. Muhammad Ali vs. Ernie Terrell was a professional boxing match contested on February 6, 1967, for the WBA, WBC, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight championships. I done handcuffed lightning. I dont have no trouble like that. And the heavyweight championship is his destiny. I have more fans and more followers and more supporters. They thought he might have some trouble. We love the classics , Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee., I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was., Dont count the days; make the days count., Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world theyve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. I can remember a couple of real fights when I ran. Muhammad Ali Unfiltered - Muhammad Ali 2016-10-25 THE FIGHTER. Englishmen can come and set up a business in white America and do things I cant do. But the same people that are with me for not going to Vietnam because I saved them and their children. I have wrestled with an alligator. SIEGEL: Those were excerpts from Muhammad Ali's poem, "I Am The Greatest," recorded in 1963. MUHAMMAD ALI 1975 speech (HARVARD UNIVERSITY) Watch on. Muhammad Ali's inspiring speech about life and death I won the Olympic gold medal in Rome, Italy. He no way like me. They must look at him and think hes fearless of everything. I Am Still The Greatest | WBUR I beat people up. Something went wrong, please try again later. MP: Well its in every article Ive ever read about it. ALI: He talks a great deal and brags indeed-y of a muscular punch that's incredibly speedy. The fight goes like this: Ding! MA: Second class? As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Mariano was the best slugger - I would say street fighter. Then, he spread it over a span of a lifetime and he served it to each and every deserving person he met.. He is the greatest! He is the Devil! Muhammad Ali | Biography, Bouts, Record, & Facts | Britannica And that makes me nervous until I get started. Boxing is a stepping stone just to introduce me to the audience. Muhammad Ali truly transcended boxing, his heart and spirit embodied the meaning of humanity in and outside of the ring. Soon this will be old news. MP: As I said in my introduction to you, you are as much now a political figure as you are an athlete. Muhammad Ali turns 70 today and the boxing legend has his fair share of memorable quotes. MP: But do you think if to ever get this separate state, do you think it can be achieved bloodlessly? I had to go to see what he would do - would he win or lose? And they rape our women daily. Yes! The average I hit him was four times to every one he hit me. When the flights all right and smooth Im still thinking, what if the engine blow up? What if a fools got a bomb on it?. MP: Youve talked about being pretty and fighting clever. Copyright 2023 Big Fish Presentations, All Rights Reserved. Like how would a Chinese look named Robert Smith? For he cant start counting til Frazier comes down. And at that time, things werent integrated. I've got a lot of white associates. Even today, if my title hadnt been given back to me and I was in such poverty where I had to go and find a job, I would have done that. And I just cant see myself with a man on the ropes and just to prove how bad I am - and I see in his eyes, his head, hes hopeless - and Im just deliberately hitting. I recognise them and they recognise me. One fella was going for a rock and another was picking up a stick and there wasnt no referees or judges and I got out of there real quick. Joe Frazier is so ugly that when he cries, the tears turn around and go down the back of his head. All rights reserved. Ali could be Robert Frost in a robe; Maya Angelou with a championship belt, though his sometimes simplistic stanzas sometimes leaned more toward something out of a Dr. Seuss book. By Associated Press, adapted by Newsela staff Published: 06/05/2016 Word Count: 910 I Am Still The Greatest : NPR I done handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail. And I said, Momma, I dont want no milk and honey, I like steaks. I said, Milk and honeys a laxative anyway. Gorgeous George, a famous American wrestler who is deceased now, was there talking before myself. \$0__`x~:MC?eb-3J _P4qRM.rJd=/M/8g~0i&1?Ap_d$:e[}@WVU6a(Biac)Qe~uKMuDG/GGCyJxO4vFfa;|MtwXx@4`l[EPZ0,'BlX Here he is in all his splendour. Muhammad Ali's best quotes: 'Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee' The boxer wasn't known as the Louisville Lip for nothing. I was always curious. I always wondered why. Well, Americas in too much trouble - I dont want that job now. The Greatest My Own Story Muhammad Ali | eBay I never wanted to lose, never thought I would, but the thing that matters is how you lose. Get up and say Elijah Muhammad is wrong when he says they are the devil? endstream Can I ask what the problem is, if it is indeed a problem to you, about being regarded as one of the most attractive men and the fan adulation from women? True Muslims know or should know that it goes against our religion to try and force Islam on anybody. ". Even Floyd Paterson, who condemned my Islamic religion and didnt want to call me Muhammad Ali and said I shouldve gone to the army and I should be in jail. You my enemy. Or should I just close the door and stay safe. In America they got two policemen, five policemen and one car watching each other, each has got a pistol, one has got a machine gun, one got a shotgun and two dogs growling at each other. Ive heard Elijah Muhammad say that many white people mean right and in their heart want to do right. Because he was brainwashed by the establishment. Because you said to me Frazier was under intensive treatment. I had something to do, which most kids really need. And none of those good white folks can be found to help us. It aint no despair. I don't have a mark on my face, and I upset Sonny Liston, and I just turned twenty-two years old. When really theyre not happy because she got some Puerto Rican music, hes got him some Chinese music and theyre going to be clashing all the time. I dont consider myself no attractive man. The history is the history of the devil. And Mary had a little lamb with feet as white as snow, and Snow White, and everything was white. I mean, Im proud, and Islam did it. Ali swings to the left, Ali swings to the right. When I came to the stage on election night to give my acceptance speech[, a]fter thanking my supporters, I'd said this: (At the time of the episode's airing, Muhammad Ali was known as Cassius Clay, so the use of the fighter's name is likely a coincidence even though the two later appeared together in the comic book. Ali I Am The Greatest Speech Transcript Muhammad Ali - in his own words - BBC Sport But Ali was much more than a fighter. I tell you what I really fear. Ali lost to Leon Spinks in 1978, and regained the title the same year by defeating Spinks. No, Ive never noticed that. Ladies and gentlemen, Muhammad Ali. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus . He kept repeating to himself and anybody that would listen that he was the greatest of all time. But usually m on the spot with my predictions and some people really gamble and bet money on the rounds I say. On June 3, 2016, the world lost a champion in Muhammad Ali. Then I signed to fight Buster Mathis. muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript. Im not that big of a fool. 2: I am the Greatest from the Cassius Clay albumI am the Greatest, Favorite quote: So dont bet against me, Im a man of my word. He might lose his life. July 2nd, 1964 President Lyndon Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Just last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick. Boxing is just going to be another year. Somebody say, ssshh!. Ali would subsequently go on to attend the rallies and lectures of Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad. Boxings a rough sport and you get hit a lot. Because I have a great insight. You have good man in this city called Joe Bugner. Should I let those rattle snakes come down, hoping that those one thousand get together and form a shield? Jewish people love their culture. [4] They prowl the streets day and night - they shooting, hitting, its crazy. MP: Yes, I was going to ask you about what attracted you to leave to the Muslim faith. (2:58) The same people will give me hell if I turn to them and say, lets free my people now. Here is a list of some of his best quotes (in no particular. The big fight is coming up Ali and Frazier. And when you say integration, that comes with a marriage too, right? MP: When you were 12 and in your early teens, did you imagine yourself to be World Champion? Only last week I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalised a brick! Theres a lot of money on the ship, but I cannot integrate on the ship or get equality on the ship. Following his death in the US on Friday, here are Ali's. Pakistanis love their culture. Muhammad Ali was then crowned world heavyweight champion for the third and final time. Just picturing one million people and you couldnt see them all. He took one quart of laughter, one pinch of concern, and then, he mix willingness with happiness, he added lots of faith, and he stired it up well, then he spreads it over his span of a lifetime, and he served it to each and every deserving person he met. And after these things that I heard in church, a preacher and watching this and that, I knew something was wrong but I couldnt pinpoint it. It says we declare ourselves to be righteous Muslims and do not take part in wars, or in no way fashion or form take the lives of humans unless its a holy war declared by God himself. I'm experienced now, professional. Fast! They kill all our leaders. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. If he can prove hes not the devil, then he should get on television and call the man a liar. Islam is not a killer religion. I done handcuffed lightning, and throw thunder in jail. Muhammad Ali enlivened many of his news conference and training sessions with poems. Tonight, I'm gonna whip you till you cry like a baby. But people talk about fighters dying and how brutal it is. Something they can look forward to - a goal, a purpose to work towards. Do you think Muhammad Ali was the best boxer to step foot in the ring! We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. In Hawaii they closed all the factories and had televisions on every street corner and people came out to watch the fight on the streets. If Ali says a mosquito can pull a plow, don't ask how. With a champ like Liston, things had to be dreary. Its been declared a pacifist movement. 2 0 obj UNIDENTIFIED CROWD: (Chanting) Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali. And I always wondered why I had to die to go to Heaven. MA : Right, its different to others who have lost - or so called lost - the titles and others would say have gone downhill slightly. It's just a job. What you have to do, is take all the fighters you want and me and rank me where you want. Ali photo by John Lair. Before his fight with Archie Moore (1962), as quoted in. Number one: We dont want to stir up the people. I was training for a fella called named of Duke Sabedong - he was Hawaiian fighter and a giant about 6 feet 8 inches tall. Copyright 2016 NPR. MP: Because I dont think Im any different to you, you see. MA: Listen, bluebirds fly with bluebirds. And the punch lifts Frazier clean out of the ring. I know you've got him picked. MA: Only for reasons of war, not for religion or my peoples freedom. Poet.. As thousands of people mourn Muhammad Ali at his funeral in Louisville, Ky., NPR remembers his 1963 poem, "I Am The Greatest.". Wer not going to be the aggressor. This book does a great job of going inside Alis mind. This will be like a good amateur fighting a real professional. Looking back, Foreman said: Ill admit it. And this is what I plan to do after Im through fighting - working with nothing but the people, the little people in the alleys: the downtrodden people, going out and helping them with my image. But I did not deliberately try to hurt anyone. However, this was said by Don King to George Foreman. Santa Claus was white and everything bad was black. Been chopping trees. The hype was part of my job, like skipping rope. But it's good that he's being allowed to work again, as you know he couldn't work for three years. Im sure we all have this built-in radar of what we predict and when it happens, we feel I knew it. Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest of All Time', Dead at 74 I'm retiring because there are more pleasant things to do than beat up people. Subscribe and you'll know every time we have a new post. Im going to dance and be pretty. How come the Chinese can go where I cant go in America? Special thanks to the Muhammad Ali Center, an international education center Its an opinion. Muhammad Ali, The Greatest Showman Sports Has Ever Seen - Groovy History 17 September 1974, Waldorf Astoria, New York, USA. Impossible is nothing. People sold everything - their cars, their land for miles, to come in and see me beat. You'll also get our monthly newsletter AND a free copy of our eBook "The Building of Stories," because we're just so nice. Selflessness and vulnerability will get people to listen. MA: Well, I tell you. Are you going to make a prediction about your return? A new four-part documentary series by Ken Burns paints a sweeping portrait of a man whose life intersected with many of modern America's most profound changes. The Greatest (1977) - IMDb Instead of making the audience hear about his plans of retirement, he turned the moment into a teaching moment on the things that truly mattered to him. I'm so mean, I make medicine sick. God made us different. muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74. I fought Jerry Quarry, gave him a chance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I am the man this poems about, Ill be champ of the world; there isnt a doubt.. Because we were way down as far as I was concerned. RIP, We will miss you. And right away I start talking: I am the greatest. Clay showed me that I'll get locked up for murder if we're ever matched. Who would have thought when they come to the fight. At two or three days later, a plane crash landed here. The match dragged to the 8th round where a tired Foreman fell to the ground and was not able to get back up on time. Muhammad Ali entertained the world for more than half a century with his legendary one-liners, witticisms and diatribes. And I said, Im not going to be that kind of a fighter. Muhammad Ali, read by his wife, Lonnie Ali. If you attack me, Im not in no foolish movement. I'm so mean, I make medicine sick.". And a little skinny kid from Kentucky, maybe about 85 pounds, small and in the rain on my bicycle, could hear the man say. Usain Bolts speed, Michael Jordans jump or Muhammad Alis dominance. It is befitting that I leave the game just like I came in, beating a big bad monster who knocks out everybody and no one can whup him. endobj And in Madison Square Gardens 1000 people couldnt get in, just to watch one man. Real conceited and arrogant. Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. And you say to youself, boy, I could have got the train. The Power of Muhammad Ali's Greatest Speech and How it Can Inspire You I must be the greatest. These athletes were able to make themselves and others think that they were already champions. Im still the same everything. And the first thing they ask me is, why do you call yourselves black Muslims?. And Manchester I had 12,000 - 15000, just talking and signing autographs. I am a champion - the greatest speech ever [ENG SUB] Champion Quotes - "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., 17 January 1942 - 3 June 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer and philanthropist, who was the Heavyweight Champion of the World three times between 1964 and 1979. And the flag is going dun-dun-dun-dun. His hands can't hit what his eyes can't see. I think Terrell will catch hell at the sound of the bell. And they say, if you dont get him in round seven I lose my house, I lose my car. Im getting more praise and credit for doing what Im doing now on this show than coming here and beating five of your English champions. Whatever you do in your life and whatever you are working towards, live through your heart. Mainly he talks about the American white man. Were not trying to take power away or rule anybody - were just trying to get up from under the rulers. I am beautiful. Muhammad outthought me and outfought me., He Was Fatally Beaten by Memphis Police Now People Around the World Are Sharing #SunsetsForTyre in His Honor, 41 Daughter Quotes That Will Touch and Melt Your Heart, Strangers Spring Into Action to Save a Driver in Crisis on a Busy Road [VIDEO], 8-Year-Old Finds Out His Favorite Waffle House Waiter Is Hiding a Secret Doesnt Hesitate to Raise $64,000 for Him, White Woman Refuses to Listen to Dad After He Forbid Her From Marrying a Black Man 60 Years Later, Theyre Still Together, Kansas City Chiefs Fans Donate Over $300,000 to Buffalo Childrens Hospital After Dramatic Playoff Win Versus Rivals. "Muhammad Ali shook up the world. And I thought about that as I rode off in the rain. The match dragged to the 8th round where a tired Foreman fell to the ground and was not able to get back up on time. ", "I know I got it made while the masses of black people are catchin' hell but as long as they ain't free, I ain't free. Im flying every day and think, its time for a plane crash. I am still "The Greatest." This I believe. Muhammad Ali 'I Am The Greatest exhibition': Read his epilogue Could I first start of by asking you, youve been the champion of the world three times, and youre now the ex champion, do you feel that people are treating you differently now that you are the one-time champion? 3 0 obj The Rhetorical Genius of Muhammad Ali. MP: But I remember one fight I saw, I think you gave him a real going over, I think it was Zora Folley? June 3, 201602:13. endobj Suffer now and live the rest of your life a champion." ~ Muhammad Ali, boxing champion "I've failed over and over and over again in my life.That is why I succeed." ~ Michael Jordan, basketball champion Remember when presenting things that matter, its important to show whats in it for the world, not just you (our first commandment of public speaking). Why couldnt I have pretty cars and good money and nice homes now? I dont see the audience. But I just try to stay half way decent looking. Muhammad Ali listens to a Nation of Islam speech at Chicago's Coliseum in 1968. . And Miss World was always white, and Miss Universe was always white. Oh man, if we were second class citizens wed be driving old Cadillacs and living good. Now Ali lands to the right. The Vietnam War was raging, American soldiers were dying by the hundreds,. Read more:Muhammad Ali funeral will have worldwide audience of billions. I'm the double greatest. Muhammad Ali: 'That's right. Check out Muhammad Ali's I am the Greatest highlight reel and speech! stream MA: It happened one night when I heard Rocky Marciano - 1954 or 53 - he had beaten Walcott or somebody. Muhammad Ali: Sir Michael Parkinson 'proud' of legendary - BBC I done tussled with a whale', The Greatest speech - 1974, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118147/quotes, Jack Buck: 'We have been challenged by a cowardly foe', 9-11 poem - 2001, Michael Irvin: 'Look up, get up and don't ever give up", Hall of Fame induction - 2007 , Jon Stewart: "They responded in five seconds", 9-11 first responders, Address to Congress - 2019, Jacinda Ardern: 'They were New Zealanders. I was in a Broadway musical called Big Time Buck Wright. Wouldnt it make more sense, and cause less pain all round in this battle, if it was integration rather than separatism. MA: A couple. And I was so nervous and thought, boy, he sure talks a lot. Right after a fight I run right to the dressing room and right to the mirror and make sure Im still, you know, presentable. oqoL?, 4m$~PVK Do3LlI),)^ XK ?|w6xIt4@<55QRc"c`Wd]*zEyd|!ifh&J|Ztv^8 A little before 8 a.m. on April 28, 1967, Muhammad Ali arrived at the Armed Forces Induction Center in Houston. Ive always been one to Im not just a boxer. Ali replied, "Thank God my granddaddy got on that boat!" All rights reserved. I done something new for this fight. And yet to more people who care little about sport and even less about politics, hes one of the worlds great entertainer. And then he got in his opponents corner and got some deodorant and sprayed it, holding his nose, and he was trowing out at people and making out all kinds of bad gestures. They all believed that they were the greatest even before reaching success. You cannot lynch and rape and kill and urn and castrate a man and rape his women for 400 years and slave em and burn em and still mistreat em causing trouble everywhere they go and then youre going to say hes not the devil? The Puerto Rican, Hawaiians, just about everybody can do more than black people and are more respected. Ali was not the tallest boxer, nor was he as bulky as most other boxers of his time, his punches were not the strongest, but he was still the best fighter of his time. And when I heard it, Ive been free ever since. Muhammad Ali with his trainer Angelo Dundee ahead of his fight with Ernie Terrell at the Astrodome, Houston, February 1967. MP: Theres talk of a rematch with Frazier and anyone who saw the first fight Im sure theyll want to see because it was a great fights - one of the best Ive ever seen. Fighter.. Giver.. Believer.. Only a few words that define Muhammad . Muhammad Ali's 10 best quotes - ESPN.com Muhammad Ali "I Am The Greatest" by Jake Miller - prezi.com