Title
Adding "Muhammad Ali Way" to the street signs on 52nd Street between Parkside and Paschall Avenues in recognition of "The Greatest", the Athlete, Boxer, Philanthropist and Social Activist.
Body
WHEREAS, Born Cassius Clay Jr. in Lousiville, Kentucky, on January 17, 1942. At a young age, Ali starting working with Joe Martin, a police officer, to learn how to spar, thus, beginning his lifelong relationship with boxing; and
WHEREAS, At 6'3" he had a domineering stature in the ring, but he was also known for his fancy footwork and lightning speed. In 1960, Muhammad Ali became an Olympic Gold Medalist, defeating Zbigniew Pietrzkowski from Poland to the winning title; and
WHEREAS, After his Olympic victory, Ali turned to professional boxing. In 1964 he knocked out Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion of the world; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Ali converted to Islam, and officially changed his named from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. He became more outspoken about his views opposing the Vietnam War. When Ali was drafted in 1967, he refused to serve on the grounds that his religious beliefs prevented him from fighting. He was immediately arrested for committing a felony and was stripped of his world title and boxing license. He was eventually convicted and sentenced to five years in prison; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, the Supreme Court overturned Ali's conviction, allowing him to officially return to the boxing ring. That year, Ali took on Joe Frazier in what was called the "Fight of the Century". Frazier defeated Ali in the 15th round, resulting in Ali's first professional loss after 31 wins. However, in 1974 Ali came back and defeated Frazier in a rematch; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Ali fought against George Foreman in another legendary match called the "Rumble in the Jungle". Ali was seen as the underdog in this fight against a younger and bigger George Foreman. However, Ali managed to wear his opponent down by baiting him into throwing wild pun...
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