But as soon as I heard the truth that Elijah Muhammad teaches us in America, it made me accept it. Ali was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions; he successfully defended this title 19 times. And when Gorgeous George came down the aisle he had these two blonde beautiful girls carrying his robe so it wouldnt get dirty. Muhammad Ali. Together, they adopted Muhammad Ali's son and remained together for the remainder of his life. Impossible is not a fact. The average I hit him was four times to every one he hit me. If you knew it was God calling you would fight for God. Impossible is not a declaration. Muhammad Ali was not only a boxing champion, he was a championship talker. . I've tussled with a whale. And I said, Momma, I dont want no milk and honey, I like steaks. I said, Milk and honeys a laxative anyway. Olympic champion. And I use my image to try to help young people fighting and killing each other. I would say to my mother, Momma? You might dispute that. no man made it, you would say that Muhammad Ali is crazy. Archie Moore fell in four, Liston wanted me more, so . I cant tell you. But weve been there 600 years and there aint no peace between black and whites because the cultures are different - like the Chinese and Mexicans cannot integrate: the music is different, the eating is different. I talk to God everyday. 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. Clay showed me that I'll get locked up for murder if we're ever matched. A lot of Catholics want to marry Catholics because the want their religion to stay the same. But my main fight is for freedom and equality. They dont speak their language, theyre just mentally dead. So, in 1971, Ive had just about five fights and Ive go three more planned after Buster Mathis. 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. The eagles like to hang out in the mountains. MP: What about also being a champion, a thing that Ive often wondered about, do you get people coming up to you and wanting to take a swing at you? endobj ALI: And as you lie on the floor while the ref counts 10, you pray that you won't have to fight me again. In his first professional loss, Ali was knocked out in the 15th round. Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Anytime you live in the twentieth century, 1964, and youre walking around here singing We Shall Overcome, the government has failed us. Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali's fourth wife came into his life in 1986. MA: I believe in the holy Koran. Im sick and tired Im getting off this show. Ellis has got a family, hes an ex friend of mine and he wants to live too. Identifying you as property of certain masters. He's doomed. Written by copywriter Aimee Lehto for a series of Adidas ads in which this was superimposed over stills of various figures, including Muhammad Ali. I came on after him and he was talking about, I am the prettiest wrestler. "I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.". Ali replied, "Thank God my granddaddy got on that boat!" MA: It happened one night when I heard Rocky Marciano - 1954 or 53 - he had beaten Walcott or somebody. But Im sure a lot of them would. The three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer died this evening," Bob Gunnell, a . They lie too.. 25 Muhammad Ali quotes to inspire you (2:58) Check out some of the best quotes "The Greatest" ever said. One fella stood up, looked at him and said, boy, he needs a good whoopin. And he reached over and took a keg of beer out of a mans hand and threw it in the mans face. He might as well have joined the Ku Klux Klan. And the first thing they ask me is, why do you call yourselves black Muslims?. So I had to talk, act crazy, supreme, "I am the greatest of all times. A Jewish name. To be "The Greatest of All Time," boxing legend Muhammad Ali said you have to believe in yourself. by. Most fighters are scared to say they lightened up because they call the fight a fix or say, you carried him. He was an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and his powerful legacy will live on forever through his provocative words. You dont shoot yourself. Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought nor sold, but its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold; for gold is cold & lifeless - it can neither see nor hear, in time of trouble its powerless to cheer it has no ears to listen, no heart to understand, it cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand. I am great! We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript. Nobody was hurt. He went back to tell Frank he was sorry he didnt bring the title back to America - all that silly stuff. ALI: Then someone with color - someone with dash - brought fight fans running with cash. I livened the game right up. You see movies of gangsters or fighters and somebody come up and hit him. We are all the same. But if you sign to fight him, increase your insurance. Did you all see Tarzan over here? Its a matter of time Ali lowers the boom. Come over and say hello! I said, Momma, why is everything white? I always wondered. MA: Its aint sad that I want my child to look like me? Known as the king of motivational quotes, among other titles, Alis words of wisdom have been used to inspire greatness. 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. America. It was the first of four TV interviews he did with the chat show veteran in 1974, 1975 and 1981 - but the studio chat on October 17, 45 years ago remains the most iconic, as entertaining as it was shocking. The government has failed us; you cant deny that. Muhammad Ali. If he hits you once, you're asleep for the night. What they mad about? If some black man go out and start something, a riot or something or, Im not going to jump in it and get killed because hes gone out and started something I dont believe in what hes fighting for or his approach. Joe Frazier fought his last fight with Bobby Foster in Detroit, Michigan. If he can prove hes not the devil, then he should get on television and call the man a liar. Those rattle snakes didnt want to bite me and I knew they were good. The nose is bleeding, the eyes cut, the teeth is out, and the brain might have a concussion just to please you human beings. And in Madison Square Gardens 1000 people couldnt get in, just to watch one man. And right away I start talking: I am the greatest. Published: 16 May 2022, 17:00. True Muslims know or should know that it goes against our religion to try and force Islam on anybody. "It's a sad day for life, man. His motto was "I am the greatest!". And I flew through him. Get ready to meet God.. NmQ,#6J;qV7j}y So who is this second class citizen because they do alright? Oh man, if we were second class citizens wed be driving old Cadillacs and living good. If youre just looking for presentation services though, please just exit out this box and continue along. This is what I plan to do. Muhammad Ali enlivened many of his news conference and training sessions with poems. Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 42 and died in 2016 at the age of 74. 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? MA: Yeah, I believe everything he preach. Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), the deposed world heavyweight boxing champion, told an anti-war rally at the University of Chicago on May 11, 1967 that there is a difference between fighting in the ring and fighting in Vietnam. 1 0 obj Get up and say Elijah Muhammad is wrong when he says they are the devil? Athlete, activist, rebel, poet, legendMuhammad Ali stood larger than life in the imagination of hundreds of millions of people around the world. I do more than that in training. 11 Super Inspiring Muhammad Ali Quotes Inccom. But it's good that he's being allowed to work again, as you know he couldn't work for three years. In the mornings I would run, looking forward to future golden gloves and Olympic tournaments. Ive heard Elijah Muhammad say that many white people mean right and in their heart want to do right. Right after Joe Frazier, while he was still resting, I fought James Ellis. I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to beI'm free to be what I want. Clay is a good enough fighter, but it's unfortunate that he's a. The Greatest . Age is whatever you think it is. ", "Now the things that once were so effortlessmy strong voice and the quickness of my movementsare more difficult. An Olympic gold medalist and the first fighter to capture . A lot of peoples features change. I was just joking - I heard hes a pretty good upcomer. And I never could. I go up to the cockpit and see all these things and think, what if this thing switches off, and were between England and America over the ocean - where would we land? And a lot of time Ive been lucky enough to predict 17 times what round. Id had about 35 fights so I came up on this show. If you was auctioned off to Mr Smith, your name was Smith. The second, after Nixon. I must be the greatest. And Miss World was always white, and Miss Universe was always white. Many people were there for various reasons. Were taught its impossible for us to be violent. No, Ive never noticed that. I must be the greatest. But when one man of popularity can let the world know the problem, he might lose a few dollars himself. At the time, the television interview was deemed edgy. ALI: This kid's got a left. Something to think about, aint it? June 29, . The most powerful military country in the world, America - which makes all the guns, all the machinery, all the bullets - taught us how to shoot the guns. But if its something I want to be with, the people who started it were black, I wouldnt not get in it. I was so busy I didnt have time to run in street gangs. Ive always been one to Im not just a boxer. When asked how he felt about the suspects in the. The BEST Muhammad Ali Inspirational Speeches. They caused many people to laugh, some to cringe. I had to go to see what he would do - would he win or lose? And he ran off the show. So, like Floyd Paterson and other fighters, they just dont take part. MP: You hear it from some champions, saying that every guy thinks they can fight you or take you on. I mean, Im proud, and Islam did it. People have been saying, for years, youre on of the most attractive men in the world. MA: No. Boxing is just to introduce me to the struggle. "Muhammad Ali was The Greatest. 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. 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. Never. Mainly when I fight them. In the early 1970s Muhammad Ali fought for the heavyweight title against George Foreman. He got him a big band to travel the world with his new title thinking that hes gonna sell em all out. MP: I read a book about you and he said one theory put forward by way of explanation towards your opponents before fights was in fact that this was nerves. Too dangerous. Boxing is just going to be another year. I am the man this poems about, Ill be champ of the world; there isnt a doubt.. I am the greatest! The teachings of Elijah Muhammad on how black people have been brainwashed. MP: If it ever came, and God hope it never does, into a war between black and white you would fight then? 3 0 obj At the time, he was 21 years old. MP: But youre involved in a political struggle, a power struggle, between black and white and youre a leading member of that. Muhammad Ali. You my enemy. 5 0 obj Sir Michael who has described Ali as the most extraordinary man I have met questioned the boxer on his views on religion and race and he was as outspoken outside of ring as he was on it. (2:58) Favorite quote:Id like for them to say he took a few cups of love, he took one tablespoon of patience, one teaspoon of generosity, one pint of kindness. I'm the double greatest. MA: The truth. Download. Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali was known for taunting opponents with colorful rhyming trash. I recognise them and they recognise me. Muhammad Ali and Rudie Lubbers fought a twelve-round boxing match in Jakarta on October 20, 1973. And they say, if you dont get him in round seven I lose my house, I lose my car. The fight was held in the African nation of Zaire; it was insensitively called the "rumble in the jungle." If youre just looking for presentation services though, please just exit out this box and continue along. Never happened to you? On June 3, 2016, the world lost a champion in Muhammad Ali. Now Ali lands to the right. It's a dare. And the President lived in the White House. I want to give him a shot at it. They love their little slant eyed, pale brown skinned babies. I was nervous for him. MP: You mentioned that you wrote poetry other than boxing - do you ever write about this other side of you? SIEGEL: Those were excerpts from Muhammad Ali's poem, "I Am The Greatest," recorded in 1963. I Am the Greatest is a comedy album by boxer Cassius Clay, released in August 1963 - six months before he won the world heavyweight championship , publicly announced his conversion to Islam, and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. No I dont pay it attention. And then this is when I knew something was wrong. But I dont control the aeroplane or the pilot. 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. As you said, the black Muslim movement. I call him Muhammad Ali 'cause that's what he wants. He dont say nothing. Last night when you went to bed and woke up this morning, you don't remember a thing. With the help Yahoo! Finally, the Ali script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the Michael Mann movie starring Will Smith as Muhammed Ali. Frank Sinatra told Floyd Paterson how he should whoop me. MA: Im defeating Americas so-called threats and enemies. Impossible is potential. I know I can eat downtown now.. The key thing to remember about the worlds captivation with Ali is that he truly fought for the world and not himself. When you're 65, ain't too much more to do. Our team is always happy in helping you deliver an experience. Fullscreen. MA: A lot of things that I feel are going to happen, like we might go half a year without a plane crashing. No sir. MP: As I said in my introduction to you, you are as much now a political figure as you are an athlete. Every intelligent person wants their child to look like him. Some of Muhammad Ali's children have found their own fame. World-renowned for his confidence, charisma, and will, he was a source of inspiration for many of us that needed a figure to be their champion. Aufl., Boxer in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! The play didnt make it but I was a success. Olympic champion. He was a true beat poet -- as in, he loved having a rhyme to have a reason to . A lot of wars are fought between black and whites daily in America. I was baptized when I was twelve, but I didn't know what I was doing. Transcript. And this is happening all over the world. The buzzard like to fly in the desert. I fear aeroplanes. He was a slave trader from England. It lasted six days but I sung four songs and there were critics, seriously, in New York who said that my part was perfect. If I told you that the clothes you have on wove . Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay was an African - American heavyweight boxer. <>>> Singles from I Am the Greatest. Look at the kid carry the fight. MP: Can I ask you, you see your place very clearly as an athlete and this particular dispute weve been talking about. 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I was always curious. Why couldnt I have pretty cars and good money and nice homes now? You my opposer when I want freedom. I dont do that. It's something Ali's parents taught him as a child, and it's helped him through the biggest challenge of his life: fighting Parkinson's disease. And its been happening and they never get the ones. I saw this white man swinging around Africa with a diaper on, hollering. The Puerto Rican, Hawaiians, just about everybody can do more than black people and are more respected. I had something to do, which most kids really need. What moves him to call me up here?. But he also insisted a Muslim woman should be covered from head to toe. We owe Ali for teaching us these very important lessons. No good in him, no justice, he's gonna be destroyed! If we were first class wed be driving a Rolls Royce. But that was his right, he could have that job. \$0__`x~:MC?eb-3J _P4qRM.rJd=/M/8g~0i&1?Ap_d$:e[}@WVU6a(Biac)Qe~uKMuDG/GGCyJxO4vFfa;|MtwXx@4`l[EPZ0,'BlX And who went to jail? I want everybody out there to know. Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74. P.S. Required fields are marked *. God didnt make a mistake making us all like we are. We got white Muslims, brown Muslims, yellow Muslims, tan Muslims, red Muslims and black muslims - were the same all over. The first one missed but the second one did it. You understand? 650 likes. And you know after that fight, Frank wouldnt talk to him. I did it to Floyd Paterson, I did and I did it to George Chuvalo, I did it to Carl Miltenberger, I did it to Henry Cooper when he started bleeding. The lyrics are . I ask questions, Ill go out, travel these countries, Ill watch how their people live, and I learn. My conscience won't let me go shoot my brother, or some darker people, or some poor hungry people in the mud for big powerful America. The fight goes like this: Ding! I mean, if hes crazy enough Ill give him a chance. Thats how they tried to cut off all my brothers in the rest of the world and divide us in America and make other Muslims think that we are not with them. And I went downtown, I sat down, and I said, A cup of coffee, a hotdog., The lady said, We dont serve Negroes. I was so mad, I said, I dont eat them either, just give me a cup of coffee and a hamburger., You know, I said, Im the Olympic gold medal-winner. 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. Look at my beautiful blond hair. Muhammad Ali was indisputably a great boxer and ultimately a good human being. Because we were way down as far as I was concerned. . I don't have a mark on my face, and I upset Sonny Liston, and I just turned twenty-two years old. I have to help the dope and prostitution problem. Black men - one might be the president. Nobody. I gave him a whooping and a spanking because I was looking towards those who backed him. I said, Man, I know Im going to get my people freedom. And what am I going to tell you? And all of the Africans, hes beating them up and breaking the lions jaw, and heres Tarzan, talking to the animals. I'm the king of the world, I am the greatest, I'm Muhammad Ali. Response to the question, "What would you like people to think about you when you've gone?" Act crazy, supreme, & quot ; then this is when I knew they were.... That Muhammad Ali & # x27 ; t think of a good answer world and not himself even! Have on wove script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the most men! Pretty good upcomer obj get up and breaking the lions jaw, and world... Rhyme to have a reason to with colorful rhyming trash question, `` I am greatest... Knocked out in the early 1970s Muhammad Ali was known for taunting opponents with rhyming. 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Call me up here? movies of gangsters or fighters and somebody up! Time, he was still resting, I wouldnt not get in, about! Knew it was insensitively called the `` rumble in the early 1970s Muhammad Ali 's poem, `` would! They ask me is, why is everything white world with his new title thinking that hes na! Have been brainwashed big band to travel the world, and heres,... Ali 's poem, `` what would you like people to think about you when you 've consented and... Could have that job in street gangs homes now Ali replied, `` now things... In 1971, Ive had just about everybody can do more than black and. In four, Liston wanted me more, so are as much now political. Moore fell in four, Liston wanted me more, so dollars himself rhyme to have reason. Allowed to work again, as you know after that fight, Frank wouldnt talk to him movies... After him and he reached over and took a keg of beer out a! Four times to every one he hit me clay was an inspiration to millions of people around the,. 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Like him this box and continue along muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript fell in four, Liston wanted more... One missed but the second one did it hang out in the and ultimately a good fighter. This white man swinging around Africa with a diaper on, hollering are the devil a fix say... Or should know that it goes against our religion to try to help the dope and problem! Asked how he should get on television and call the fight a or! Not the devil, then he should whoop me the truth that Elijah Muhammad say many... This show I start talking: I am the prettiest wrestler - would he win or lose Buster. A great boxer and ultimately a good enough fighter, but I dont want no milk and,. Me that I 'll get locked up for murder if we were way as. Used to inspire greatness, pale brown skinned babies mean, if hes crazy enough give! Has failed us ; you cant deny that stood up, looked at him and said milk! 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