Muhammad Ali - A True Champion


Muhammad Ali is arguably one of the greatest sporting champions of all time.  Of course his most famous fight was The Rumble in the Jungle which was a boxing event in 1974 in Zaire. It pitted him against the undefeated world heavy weight champion George Foreman. The attendance was about 60,000. Ali won by knockout, putting Foreman down just before the end of the eighth round. It has been called "arguably the greatest sporting event of the 20th century.”
The most important lesson from this victory is that Muhammad Ali was the better prepared fighter and won by surprising his opponent. He was famous for his speed and Foreman was known for his raw power. He however defied convention and Ali went against his usual style and engaged with Foreman using punches. However the key was Ali allowed Foreman to keep throwing punches by leaning on the ropes and eventually wearing Foreman out. This was called "rope-a-dope" tactic. It proved to be super effective and shows that more than physical strength it is tactical strength that makes a true champion.
Here are my favorite quotes from Muhammad 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."
"Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."
"I've made my share of mistakes along the way, but if I have changed even one life for the better, I haven't lived in vain."
"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even."
"It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen."
"Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are."
"Life is a gamble. You can get hurt, but people die in plane crashes, lose their arms and legs in car accidents; people die every day. Same with fighters: some die, some get hurt, some go on. You just don't let yourself believe it will happen to you."
"I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given. I believed in myself, and I believe in the goodness of others."

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.

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