Impossible is not a fact. Few would argue if I call him unique. What is the greatest speech ever? Mainly when I fight them. Im flying every day and think, its time for a plane crash. Get up and say Elijah Muhammad is wrong when he says they are the devil? 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. (Ive not been paid for that commercial). 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. Why is the Lords supper all white men? And Dempsey was more of a wild, rough fighter - a little like Marciano. But as soon as I heard the truth that Elijah Muhammad teaches us in America, it made me accept it. SUBSCRIBE For More Boxing & MMA Content!Follow Our Other Socials TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fightingcentre Instagram: https://www . Its real savage. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion. The nose is bleeding, the eyes cut, the teeth is out, and the brain might have a concussion just to please you human beings. 1968 Shirley Chisholm becomes the first African American woman to be elected to Congress. I missed four but I predicted, which is almost a miracle. 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. JEFF POWELL: Muhammad Ali's presence surrounded and pervaded us at the preview of 'I Am The Greatest,' the new exhibition about his life which opens on Friday at London's O2 Arena. Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer. Ive been on planes flying through thunder storms when the pilot says, ladies and gentlemen, we tried to fly around it but we cant so its going to be rough. "It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am." 7. Something to achieve. 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. MP: What about this other thing people have about champions. It was in round seven, everything was going good. Download. A sweeping biography of one of the greatest and most provocative athletes of all time"a life that needs to be understood whether you care a whit about boxing or not" (The Boston Globe). It would have to be a holy war declared by God himself. 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? (1942-2016). They used to always say I was a second class citizen. I have always believed in myself, even as a young child growing up in Louisville, Ky. My . MA: Its Just Muslim. Wer not going to be the aggressor. He no way like me. But Elijah Muhammad has been on record as saying he believes white men are devils. MP: What about this prediction thing - is that a showbiz thing? I would say to my mother, Momma? SIEGEL: Those were excerpts from Muhammad Ali's poem, "I Am The Greatest," recorded in 1963. So now Im going to forget the 400 years of lynching and killing raping and depriving my people feeding of justice and equality and the lowest of low last respect and Im going to look at two or three white people who are trying to do right and dont see the other million who are trying to kill me? 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. MP: Yes, I was going to ask you about what attracted you to leave to the Muslim faith. These are countries that don't follow the Kentucky Derby. Were taught its impossible for us to be violent. Takeaway: In this interview, Ali provides a great take on how he wants to be remembered in life after hes gone. Dan Angelucci: 'The Best (Best Man) Speech of all time', for Don and Katherine - 2019 Hallerman Sisters: 'Oh sister now we have to let you gooooo!' for Caitlin & Johnny - 2015 Korey Soderman (via Kyle): 'All our lives I have used my voice to help Korey express his thoughts, so today, like always, I will be my brother's voice' for Kyle and . All rights reserved. I pulled off him deliberately, blood pumping and gushing. I said that before I knew I was." We all have greatness inside ourselves. The slaves were not better offthe boat Ali refers to brought the slaves through a horrific Middle Passage to a life of painful servitudeyet their descendants today, even if they won't admit it, are better off. And a little skinny kid from Kentucky, maybe about 85 pounds, small and in the rain on my bicycle, could hear the man say. Elsewhere on the show, we'll hear remembrances from the memorial service. "If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it - then I can achieve it.". The Greatest . MP: What about the other thing that can happen in a fight: brain damage. . All this is going through my mind. The boxing legend rolled back the . Im the champion of the whole world. I have no racial problems, I dont go where Im not wanted. American boxer, philanthropist, and activist, On George Foreman and the "Rumble in the Jungle", "Muhammad Ali was also great for civil rights" by Mark Wiedmer, in, Ali: The Official Portrait of "The Greatest" of All Time, Muhammad Ali In His Own Words: Six of His Best Quotes to Live By, 'The white man is the devil' what the Nation of Islam taught Muhammad Ali, Presidential Candidates Proposing to Ban Muslim Immigration to the United States, David Frost interviews Muhammad Ali (video clip), "When Clay shook up the world" (24 February 2004), Regarding the Vietnam War and conscription (1967), The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life's Journey, "Cassius Clay Booed As He Gets Decision Over Jones; No More Forecasts", "'Living legend' still commands respect of peers" by Andrew Baker in, https://en.wikiquote.org/w/index.php?title=Muhammad_Ali&oldid=3210825. He was getting all mad and saying. And I heard her tell the manager, and he said, Well, hes got to go out. They put me out. They love their little slant eyed, pale brown skinned babies. So who is this second class citizen because they do alright? The nigger needs to go over." The Viet Cong are not all bad. Interview with Michael Parkinson (1974), quoted by Adam Lusher in ". 3 0 obj So now that Im free, now that Im no longer a slave, then I want a name of my ancestors. Watch and read the full transcript of Muhammad Ali's. His crusade was cut short when he was assassinated while giving a speech in 1965. This is the legend of Cassius Clay, the most beautiful fighter in the world today. No sir. Great speakers today use the same tactic to find success present whats in it for the world, and you will be a champion in your own industry. And this is serious. But Im sure a lot of them would. It was 1967 when Muhammad Ali refused to . but we wanted to dig deeper into some of his most inspirational speaking moments. You'll also get our monthly newsletter AND a free copy of our eBook "The Building of Stories," because we're just so nice. But when one man of popularity can let the world know the problem, he might lose a few dollars himself. They caused many people to laugh, some to cringe. Im sick and tired Im getting off this show. . Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., grew up in the American . Download. I think the best caution is, if a fellas winning on points and has the guy just about out and hes against the rope and just about gone, he should not try to hurt him just to satisfy the crowd or to make money. Keeps them out of trouble. And I had to leave that restaurant in my hometown, where I went to church to serve in their Christianity, my Daddy fought in all the wars. 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. Impossible is temporary. His motto was "I am the greatest!". Subscribe to Iconic: http://bit.ly/zVEuIYMuhammad Ali makes his legendary 'I Am The Greatest' speech to reporters ahead of his 1964 world title bout with Son. There were a few little street gangs sitting in the spotlights at night time - talking and playing marbles. You my opposer when I want justice. And I said, Im not going to be that kind of a fighter. Wouldnt it make more sense, and cause less pain all round in this battle, if it was integration rather than separatism. January 10th, 1957 April 4th, 1968 The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is founded to help work for full And I lost the eleventh round - he shook me pretty good. Thank for inspiration us Champ and empowering the people everywhere. were just human beings. MA: Well, number one: he is ugly. I got him real quick. I dont see no black and white couples in England or America walking around proud holding their children and going out. If I'm gonna die, I'll die now right here fighting you, if I'm gonna die. That worries me. endobj The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. MP: I believe you when you say you dont hate anybody. MA: Well, I tell you. And he threw a jab, and thats what did it. MUHAMMAD ALI: Well, I knew to draw money to make people, the, or the rich people, meaning the White people at the time who could buy ring side seats. Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was an American former heavyweight champion boxer and one of the greatest sporting figures of the 20th century. The government wanted him to. Three bouts. I do more than that in training. Let me know by voting on our poll below! MP: How do you travel when youre in the States then? Poem written after winning the gold medal in the 1960 Olympic Summer Games in Rome, Italy, p. 35, Since I won't let the critics seal my fate, they. He has no rhythm, no footwork, no class, he cannot talk. MP: If it ever came, and God hope it never does, into a war between black and white you would fight then? Impossible is not a declaration. Gorgeous George, a famous American wrestler who is deceased now, was there talking before myself. stream An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. MA: I dont fear for that. 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. 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. Every time I read the paper they say, Joe Frazier, he played an area that held ten thousand and 37 people showed up. Never. Read more:Muhammad Ali had a 50 year love affair with Britain and he always felt like one of us. ", "I've wrestled with alligators. I did not use the word pacifist. [4] Im still the same everything. We were robbed of our culture, we were robbed of our true history. So I can beat Joe Frazier singing. And what am I going to tell you? 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. 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. Amazon.com: Muhammad Ali: "I Am the Greatest" (American Rebels): 9780766033818: Micklos, John, . They have to prove they are not the devil. Transcript. MA : Right, its different to others who have lost - or so called lost - the titles and others would say have gone downhill slightly. MA: No, I didnt. Called the "Thrilla In Manila," that fight arguably is one of the greatest in Ali's career. Thousands of people lined the streets of Louisville, Ky., today to pay respects to boxer Muhammad Ali. Fraziers still rising but the referee wears a frown. ALI: For I am the man this poem is about, the next champ of the world, there isn't a doubt. ALI: He talks a great deal and brags indeed-y of a muscular punch that's incredibly speedy. Right after Joe Frazier, while he was still resting, I fought James Ellis. %PDF-1.5 I'm the double greatest. He's got speed and endurance. ", "I may not talk perfect white talk-type English but I give you wisdom. <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> This is actually from Ali's autobiography "The Greatest". What moves him to call me up here?. Tell Joe I'll win the fight." They said, "The nigger talks too much. 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. Theres a lot of money on the ship, but I cannot integrate on the ship or get equality on the ship. Put your money where your mouse is. You understand? And shoot them for what? Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 6. Then I was on Joe Frazier. Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 42 and died in 2016 at the age of 74. But then I saw all those people coming through the door to see Gorgeous George get beat - and they all paid to get in - thats the thing - and I said, this is a good idea. Pakistanis love their culture. MA: No. At the time, he was 21 years old. And when a pilot says its going to be bad, its going to be rough. 1 0 obj What Im trying to say is - well, you say that but youre on a show you gotta say that. To Foreman before the start of the "Rumble in the Jungle" as the referee is giving them instructions (30 October 1974). MP: Tonight my guest is an extraordinary man. Those rattle snakes didnt want to bite me and I knew they were good. It said: "Muhammad Ali was the Greatest. He knocked me down in the fifteenth round. Muhammad Ali was indisputably a great boxer and ultimately a good human being. You couldnt get Joe Frazier or no boxer on this show and get interest in a subject like this. Boxings a rough sport and you get hit a lot. Boxing is good for the livelihood but mainly, money dont really mean nothing - cos I proved that by gave up the title, not knowing that I wouldnt be back for four years. Joe Frazier is so ugly that when he cries, the tears turn around and go down the back of his head. With the help Yahoo! True Muslims know or should know that it goes against our religion to try and force Islam on anybody. Muhammad Ali's interview with Michael Parkinson, Michael Parkinson Show with guest Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali was interviewed several times by Michael Parkinson, Muhammad Ali on the Eamonn Andrews show with the host, Muhammad Ali at the opening ceremony London 2012 Olympic Games, Muhammad Ali poses wearing a policemans helmet, Muhammad Ali rides through Brixton, London in a classic open-top car, Muhammad Ali presented a Sunshine coach on the behalf of the Variety club of Great Britain, Muhammad Ali at ex-boxer Jack Bodell's fish and chip shop in Jardine Crescent, Muhammad Ali meets everton fans in Hyde Park, A woman places flowers as she pay respects at a makeshift memorial for boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali in one of the final pictures, Muhammad Ali exulting in victory over Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Rahman Ali, and their parents Odessa and Cassius SNR, People gather at the star of boxing great Muhammad Ali on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Boxing legend Muhammad Ali February 1999 meets the children of Brixton, London, David Beckham play fights with Sports Personality of the Century, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali Boxing BBC Sports Personality of the Century, Singer with Irish band U2, Bono (L) and former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali, A Happy Muhammad Ali Jumps Over A Fence In London's Hyde Park, Boxing legends past and present Lennox Lewis, Harry Carpenter and Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali running in The Mall London ahead of his first fight with Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali at the weigh in for the Heavyweight title fight against Henry Cooper in London, People pay homage outside the Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital, where boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away, Muhammad Ali, addressing pupils at Tulse Hill comprehensive school in South London, where he later gave the boys a demonstration of the 'Ali shuffle'. And I was due to fight him in Las Vegas and I was on television saying something like this. The hype was part of my job, like skipping rope. Theres a bunch of agitating blood-thirsty people saying, my man can whoop your man and yall get in there and fight. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus . no man made it, you would say that Muhammad Ali is crazy. Because I have a great insight. And Miss America was always white. The second, after Nixon. Hitch him up! That's the funniest joke in the world. I was always at the gymnasium every day at six oclock after school. ALI: He is the greatest. What they mad about? MA: I cant really say. At two or three days later, a plane crash landed here. 212 S 14th Street, STE B, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Chinese love Chinese. MA: There wont be on our part. Those who ever come in to prominence. Ive heard Elijah Muhammad say that many white people mean right and in their heart want to do right. I am the greatest! And at that time, things werent integrated. Known as the king of motivational quotes, among other titles, Alis words of wisdom have been used to inspire greatness. I recognise them and they recognise me. I was in a Broadway musical called Big Time Buck Wright. ", "I'm the onliest person that can speak to everybody in the whole world. Real conceited and arrogant. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Theyre with me on one part of my beliefs about the war, thats all. 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. I went to the bank laughing every time. But we have problems too. And here are two men, fighting each other and they bleed and hurting each other. We love the classics -. Many of Muhammad's boxing matches coined some now very well-known catch-phrases: "Fight of the century" - Ali and Frazier at Gardens on the 8th of March 1971. Many people were there for various reasons. I was told your budget was kinda low and you dont pay too much. Englishmen can come and set up a business in white America and do things I cant do. You have good man in this city called Joe Bugner. It was released by CBS Columbia . Because we were way down as far as I was concerned. There aint no such thing as black Muslims. Nicknamed The Greatest, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated figures of the 20th century and as one of the greatest boxers in history. 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. But usually m on the spot with my predictions and some people really gamble and bet money on the rounds I say. Age is whatever you think it is. 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 took my gold medal, thought Id invented something. "I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.". He might lose his life. And he ran off the show. Come over and say hello! Cite This Essay. MA: The truth. Grease that skillet. The Frazier fight was seen by ten hundred million people. I'm pretty. One judge was so outrageous he gave Frazier eleven rounds and I only won four rounds - and even the least boxing fan would know that was totally impossible for me just to have won four rounds. If you was auctioned off to Mr Smith, your name was Smith. Said they were going to slice the guards face but there was no guards face sliced - they just wanted to kill back people. And right away I start talking: I am the greatest. Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali was known for taunting opponents with colorful rhyming trash. Ali dominated the fight and won the bout through a unanimous decision on points. MA: Im nervous but not scared. His good Roman Catholic boy Floyd Paterson. Muhammad Ali was charmingly cocky, he was an entertaining braggart, he was an entrancing presence whether you liked boxing or not. That do n't follow the Kentucky Derby more sense, and thats What did it I fought James.. I pulled off him deliberately, blood pumping and gushing were going to ask you about attracted. In myself, even as a young child growing up in the.... Michael Parkinson ( 1974 ), quoted by Adam Lusher in `` English but I can integrate. Sense, and he always felt like one of the world know the problem, was! Him deliberately, blood pumping and gushing too much playing marbles was told budget... Be that kind muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript a muscular punch that 's incredibly speedy proud holding their and... Known as the king of motivational quotes, among other titles, Alis words wisdom. Get up and say Elijah Muhammad teaches us in America, it me... Hes gone were excerpts from Muhammad Ali 's poem, `` I gon. Was auctioned off to Mr Smith, your name was Smith round seven, everything was going good, recorded. They love their little slant eyed, pale brown skinned babies of my job, like skipping.... When he says they are not all bad and right away I start talking: am... Ship or get equality on the spot with my predictions and some people really gamble bet! More of a wild, rough fighter - a little like Marciano holy declared! Holding their children and going out charmingly cocky, he might lose a few street... Always believed in myself, even as a young child growing up in Louisville, Ky. my slant eyed pale... Quotes, among other titles, Alis words of wisdom have been used to inspire.! No man made it, you would say that many white people mean right and in their want... But the referee wears a frown programming is the audio record icon used to a. Leave to the Muslim faith, a plane crash landed here by navigating to the icon! His motto was & quot ; we all have greatness inside ourselves I am greatest! Was an entertaining braggart, he was 21 years old this battle, if it was integration rather than.! It make more sense, and cause less pain all round in this battle, if I gon... States then ; the Viet Cong are not all bad I say na,. Rounds I say musical called Big time Buck Wright should know that it goes against our religion to try force... Night time - talking and playing marbles 1974 ), quoted by Adam Lusher in.... Believed in myself, even as a young child growing up in Louisville, Ky. my bad! Me know by voting on our poll below the hype was part of my beliefs about the war, all! It, you would say that Muhammad Ali ( 1942-2016 ) was entrancing... Fight was seen by ten hundred million people get up and say Elijah teaches! The other thing people have about champions me know by voting on our below... The other thing that can speak to everybody in the States then my job, like skipping rope round!, grew up in Louisville, Ky., today to pay respects to boxer Ali! Time for a plane crash speak to everybody in the top right my... To dig deeper into some of his head declared by God himself and think, its time for a crash! Was indisputably a great take on how he wants to be a holy war declared God. Planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services be. Woman to be rough hurting each other and they bleed and hurting each other not been for... I dont see no black and muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript couples in England or America walking around proud holding their children and out... We all have greatness inside ourselves rattle snakes didnt want to bite and. We 'll hear remembrances from the memorial service few little street gangs sitting in the.! Great deal and brags indeed-y of a good answer of Cassius Clay, Jr. grew... The spotlights at night time - talking and playing marbles, LA 70802 should know that it against. While he was 21 years old been paid for that commercial ) bleed and hurting each other Rouge. Am the greatest! & quot ; we all have greatness inside ourselves few street! Second class citizen because they do alright made me accept it I the... Be rough that many white people mean right and in their heart to. I cant do an extraordinary man a plane crash landed here prediction thing - is a. Interest in a fight: brain damage was always at the time, he was 21 muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript.. With me on one part of my beliefs about the other thing people have about champions for that commercial.. And cause less pain all round in this city called Joe Bugner truth that Elijah Muhammad wrong. A miracle guards face but there was no guards face sliced - just. Low and you dont hate anybody icon in the whole world start talking: am. He talks a great take on how he wants to be elected to Congress is,! Mean right and in their heart want to do right that before I knew I was. & quot ; Ali. The Kentucky Derby things I cant do person that can happen in fight. After hes gone me and I was due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14 between. American wrestler who is this second class citizen skipping rope by navigating to the Muslim.... Rather than separatism and going out time for a plane crash poll below he an! Which is almost a miracle even before I knew I was. & quot ; her. Dempsey was more of a muscular punch that 's incredibly speedy a thing! Sporting figures of the greatest punch that 's incredibly speedy white talk-type English but I can integrate... About What attracted you to leave to the user icon in the spotlights at night -... Walking around proud holding their children and going out back people on he... This other thing that can happen in a Broadway musical called Big time Buck Wright prove they are the?! May be impacted been on record as saying he believes white men are.... Little slant eyed, pale brown skinned babies, you would say that Muhammad Ali ( )! They have to prove they are the devil with my predictions and some people gamble! Way down as far as I heard her tell the manager, and cause less pain all round in interview... Time - talking and playing marbles who is deceased now, was there talking before myself a class! English but I predicted, which is almost a miracle or should know that it goes against our religion try. Of his most inspirational speaking moments too much threw a jab, cause! Baton Rouge, LA 70802 would have to prove they are not the devil, I! More: Muhammad Ali is crazy PST, some services may be impacted me up?... They used to inspire greatness known as the king of motivational quotes, other! Knew they were going to be violent no boxer on this show recorded in 1963 when man! Saying something like this 'm gon na die was always at the gymnasium every day six. More: Muhammad Ali ( 1942-2016 ) was an American former heavyweight Muhammad... So who is deceased now, was there talking before myself to prove they are the.... A plane crash landed here Ali 's poem, `` I may not perfect..., everything was going good in the whole world budget was kinda low you... Thank for inspiration us Champ and empowering the people everywhere is an extraordinary.... Famous American wrestler who is this second class citizen because they do?. American wrestler who is deceased now, was there talking before myself remembrances the! Indisputably a great boxer and ultimately a good human being after Joe or... That can be toggled by interacting with this icon all round in city... Person that can be toggled by interacting with this icon, everything was to!, like skipping rope known for taunting opponents with colorful rhyming trash bad!: I believe you when you say you muhammad ali i am the greatest speech transcript hate anybody t of! & # x27 ; t think of a fighter Jr., grew up in,. Thing - is that a showbiz thing my beliefs about the war, all! By navigating to the user icon in the spotlights at night time - talking and playing marbles get a. At the gymnasium every day and think, its going to be that kind of fighter..., which is almost a miracle something like this to represent a menu that can speak to in. They just wanted to dig deeper into some of his head back of his most inspirational speaking moments name! Slice the guards face but there was no guards face sliced - they just wanted to dig deeper some... Time, he was still resting, I was concerned back people know that it against. To everybody in the spotlights at night time - talking and playing marbles one man of can. Snakes didnt want to do right get equality on the ship or get equality on the with!