Imago
American heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali walks through the streets with members of the Black Panther Party, New York, New York, September 1970. Ali was sentenced to five years in prison and his championship title revoked after he was convicted of draft evasion upon his refusal to serve with the American army in Vietnam upon grounds of conscientious objection. The decision was overtuned in 1971 but Ali became a figurehead of resistance and a hero of the people.
Imago
American heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali walks through the streets with members of the Black Panther Party, New York, New York, September 1970. Ali was sentenced to five years in prison and his championship title revoked after he was convicted of draft evasion upon his refusal to serve with the American army in Vietnam upon grounds of conscientious objection. The decision was overtuned in 1971 but Ali became a figurehead of resistance and a hero of the people.
Muhammad Ali was one the most if not the most prominent figures in the sport of boxing. His legacy and impact on the sport will be forever remembered among fans and enthusiasts of boxing. Moreover, Ali’s impact transcended the sport itself, which is why many consider him the GOAT.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
There are many legendary tales about the former heavyweight champion where he persevered in the face of defeat and overcame it. However, even on his deathbed, The People’s champ never stopped fighting. Back in 2016, Ali’s daughter Hana shared a touching message that revealed that his heart was beating for 30 minutes after his body shut down. In the message, she also claimed that the doctors hadn’t seen anything like this before and that it was proof of his unwavering will.
View this post on Instagram
“Our hearts are literally hurting. But we are so happy daddy is free now. We all tried to stay strong and whispered in his ear, “You can go now. We will be okay, we love. All of us were around him and holding his hands, chanting the Islamic prayer. All of his organs failed, but his heart wouldn’t stop beating. For 30 minutes, his heart just kept beating. No one had ever seen anything like it. A true testament to the strength of his spirit and will.” She wrote.
Even after experiencing organ failure, Ali’s spirit was still fighting against all odds, showing us the true nature of a champion. The boxing legend was a fighter at heart and even on his deathbed, he refused to lose.
Muhammad Ali’s first time in the ring as he recalled
Ali once detailed the first time he ever stepped into a boxing ring in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. He described the experience as a challenging one, claiming that he was nervous as he was just 12 years old at the time. “I was nervous and scared. I was shaking,” he said.
Getty
American Heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), training in his gym, 21st May 1965. (Photo by Harry Benson/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
However, he was then asked by Oprah if he went to the gym the next day, to which Ali replied. “Yes—every night for a month. I loved it.” He added. This decision would turn out to be the best one Ali made in his life, as he then went on to become one of the greatest boxers to grace the sport.
What did you think about Ali’s heart beating for 30 minutes after his body shut down? Let us know in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY – Top 5 Fights on Which Boxing Fans Would Pay Anything to Watch …
Written by
Edited by
Ajinkya Aswale