The Greatest: My Own Story

I was a fan of Clay when I was growing up. No problem when he became a Muslim and changed his name. I did have a problem when he dodged the draft...However when I read this book I gained respect for his reasoning and resolve. The book gave much insight to his fights , his training, his opinion of other fighters and life as a black man in general. I was a teenager when the civil right riots were in full swing, I was not on the side of blacks at the time. Reading this book opened my eyes to the horrible conditions some black people suffered in those years and I gained understanding of their fight as well. There were many parts of the book where I found myself laughing and sadly times when I shed a tear as well. Ali was a wonderful man, a man of integrity and strength, not only strength of body but strength of character as well. I miss him. There was one chapter that was not so great IMO and that was the one where he was talking about his ex wife but as the champ might say, ya can't win 'em all. Other than that chapter the book was fantastic even down to the last chapter and the last sentence in particular. Near the end of the book I was, at times, confused about just what fight he was talking about as he seemed to shift between one fight and another but just keep reading and it all comes together. I stood about four feet from Mr. Ali during his speech at a 4th of July parade in Chicago, though I don't recall anything in particular that he said in the speech (was the late 70's) I do recall that, at the time, I was mightily impressed and it is a highlight of my past experiences. I will forever fondly remember Mohammad Ali and even more so now that I know him better through this book.

Yall I am so excited to have finally finished my first book of 2023. Now this book did take me a while to finish because I just have so much going on in my personal life and with the work but this was a really really good book. I love how he talked about him being disciplined, I love how he talked about the different fights that he won and even the fight with Frasier that he lost. He talked about his exile from when he refused to join the army to him being married twice and having kids. His confidence radiates and I feel like everyone should have his mindset like they are the greatest. I was also really compelled to read this book because we saw the world's greatest wish was the soundtrack and his movie at our fifth grade graduation. I also really liked how he talked about how he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali and him being a Muslim so that journey was a really great read I just didn't like how he tried to control and conform his first wife to be somebody that she wasn't. Now this book is over 400 pages so it will take you some time to get through it but I would definitely recommend reading this book to you as he came about in a time when being a boxer as a black man was very difficult so I applaud his dedication and his determination. 4/5 stars great read!!

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE GREATEST READ THIS! Most people mistake Ali as arrogant but dont understand the story behind his CONFIDENCE. This book takes the reader on a journey. It: facilitates EMOTIONAL HIGHS AND LOWS, discloses the GREED of TWISTED PUPPETEERS in sports but most importantly allows you to partake in a revelatory journey full of obstacles and perseverance that made ALI THE greatest. What makes someone great is not what they do when the cameras are watching but what they do when no one is watching and when the tides are against you. I read this book as I try to navigate my life as becoming a beacon of hope for the world. I would mention that the non disclosed editor Toni Morrison is not mentioned in this book, but was instrumental in crafting this body of work. She released her edited version in 1975, but VERY SIMILAR to this and with the same writer. FUN FACTS: AUTHOR IS BLACK WHY READ: for those looking to better themselves and/or see if you have the qualities of being a great leader (i.e.; integrity, resilience, determination, faith, confidence, whit, love of God and ppl, etc) I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS! Some ppl will not be able appreciate ALL THE HIDDEN GEMS and universal traits shared by other greats OBAMA, NELSON, etc but if you do then you will see a trend and pattern.

very good read albeit very long!..., get a good insight into the thoughts of the man himself as it is written in his own words. Extraordinary man who transcended sport really...., before I read this I thought he was only a boxer but he was a very intelligent and complex man....

You will see Ali in a different light, but also the USA as well. There are shocking revelations that will leave you disillusioned but joyous. Quite riveting and 600 pages will fly by.

I hope in one day, even though it is not in boxing, I want to be like him: a person who can be remembered forever.

My father in law said he wanted to read it, so we bought it. He let me read after, and yes it’s a very great read.

Saw Ali box *live* on tv once, first and only time, beating Shavers (boy, did he take a punch!). As slave names go, Cassius Clay is honorific. And yet, Ali had to take a new name. And religious identity. How did he know he "had" to? He refused to "serve," do an Elvis tour-- VietNam-- at profound personal risk. He defied the whole System (rightly), and he won. Came back (!), won, lost, beat Foreman (Foreman!). Re-watch the fight, everybody. Round One has no "rope-a-dope" (term was invented, a year later, by Ali with Cosell, Lyle fight, as near as I can tell🤔😉😇). So,,, real heroes exhibit a humility, a defiance, an ability to do what *must* be done in the moment, in the moment. And they don't get to understand themselves. Maybe they "brand" themselves ... You know, we fans, beyond the braggadocio, understand you as a quiet soul, receptive-- defiant, human, so gracious.-- So: All I can say is, Ali, forever! Ali, forever! We love you, Champ! (we do)😉

It told of difficult early life to a very successful adult.

He tells it all in this inexpensive book. Muhammad Ali is the greatest fighter ever and he shares a lot of info here. Great book!

Muy mala edición, encuadernación, etc.. se me quitaron las ganas de seguir leyendo por falta de belleza en la forma.

Truly the greatest and definitely the Peoples Champion. This is one those books where you get so much more that you though. I have always heard of Muhammad Ali the great boxer and fighter, but really that is all I really knew about him his classic wars made him legendary, but what really struck me now are his principles. Many people call him stubborn and cocky, but this was really honor and confidence. If Muhammad Ali got an idea in his had he would do it. If he believed something was wrong they was nobody or nothing anyone could do to make him do it. the great thing abou him is he did what he though was right and (like a leader leading by example) people followed him. Yes many people did not agree with him and they has their own reason for that but how can anyone not admire a man who sticks to his principle. The book starts out surprisingly with Muhammad Ali being taken back to his dressing room after one of his few defeats. His hater are going wild, his fan and the people who love him are in shock. The book is not done in chronological order, it tends to shift between time periods of his life depending on the point he is making. This book is more about Ali's greatest battles outside the ring. If you are reading this for Boxing analysis of his own fights, the tow main fights describes this way are his first fight with Smoking Joe Frazier, and his fight with Joe Foreman towards the end of the book. Yes it take courage to step in the ring and fight someone else. However it take even more courage to say you are not going to fight. A lot of this book is devoted to Ali's reason for not joining the War in Vietnam. His choice to become a Muslim and upholding his beliefs. This caused Ali to be a pivotal figure in American, Islamic, and Black history. His aunt said it best "they ain't never going to give you another total shot. You are not a Black man they can't control, but a Black Muslim" imagine thee courage of Black people standing up for their rights in the south the home of the KKK, now all the Islam phobia that is ripe in the world today. Now think of a Black Muslim not only surviving in this environment but thriving in it and refusing to be a puppet even as the world champion, he was not an "uncle Tom" he was a man that dictated the terms. He never shied away from a battle or fight in every arena hell he even fought for his right not to fight. If you are a fan of this great fighter you will finish this book with a new respect for him. Those who are not converted by his story there is not hope for they will just carry on hating.

He was born Cassius Clay But he let that name slip away For him it’s a name that binds with shame As people identified with that of a slave He becomes Muhammad Ali In which he found his true identity Though a Champion without doubt The so called American White Filled his life so much misery and hate The wrath of whites Public and political alike And from all sides Brought him plethora of punches More than in the boxing bouts. For his stand on Vietnam War For his Birth Color For the Faith that he held dear He paid the price of exile With threats for life Stripped of title Facing the threat of being behind the bars He had to battle now the banishers. At the same time stay true to his heart He was always loud mouthed for what is right Many identified him as a boaster with false pride To shut down the critic he rallied to boast That “I am the Greatest”. And did what he thought right So inside he can filled with Lightness and Light Forget the hate of the adult white For he was always children’s delight Though a man of might At heart he was a rhyming poet A poem he had one for each fight Predicting the result of what might People thought he was wiped With the exile that disallowed him to fight But when the exile ended He showed the critics they’re not right As One by one the challengers fell With his boxing might Like a butterfly he floats Like a bee he stings And TALL he stands Above them all He wins the matches within Even before he lays a punch. That’s why He is the GREATEST of All Not only GREATEST but also the HUMBLEST As he remained True to his Self, People and his Faith.