Muhammad Ali: My role model

By Aaryan Oberoi

Muhammad Ali born as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr on January 17, 1942, was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed “the Greatest”, he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.

Muhammad Ali achieved renown as a boxer through his speed, superb footwork, ability to take a punch, and tremendous courage. In addition, he was known for his social message of black resistance to white domination and for refusing induction into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

His final record of 56 wins and 5 losses with 37 knockouts has been matched by others, but the quality of his opponents and his overwhelming success during his prime placed him among boxing’s immortals.

Ali’s talking before his fights was some of the best I have ever heard, and his antics provoked fighters & some fans alike. The sheer amount of confidence he exhibited bordered on overconfidence, but looking at his legacy now, it’s safe to say that confidence can get you pretty far!

His voice was so loud, proud, and at times obnoxious like a roaring giant. Ali believed in serving a higher purpose in his pursuit of living a fulfilling & satisfying life. 

His life tells us that we should always have a hunger for success. Ali strongly believed that in order to live comfortably tomorrow, he needed to sacrifice something today. He also believed that a person who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.

He also believed that when someone is given a voice, it’s their duty to use it to help others.

I aspire to be a successful person professionally, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually like Mr Ali. He was willing to sacrifice for the greater good. And after learning about his life I am as well as ready to sacrifice for the greater good. I aspire to become a person who gives back to his community and his people like Mohammed Ali.

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, Don’t quit, suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

These words are quoted by the man whose name has become a synonym for the boxing arena. Muhammad Ali never gave up, neither on-ring nor off-ring. Indeed, his positive attitude made him an iconic personality with strong religious persuasion and self-belief to triumph in every field of life. Although Ali is not with us his firm beliefs and fearless attitude make him alive in our hearts, which always encourages us to move forward and follow our dreams, no matter how hard may be the path of glory.