Home

Boxing

‘I Was Shaking’: Muhammad Ali Admitted He Was ‘Nervous and Scared’ After Taking the Biggest Step of His Life

Published 09/25/2022, 2:52 PM EDT

Follow Us

Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as the best boxer to ever lace up the boots. Although there have been more skilled and better boxers than ‘The People’s Champ’ his overall impact on the sport even, outside the ring is why he is regarded as the best.

However, Ali couldn’t have achieved this success if they didn’t overcome his fear before taking the biggest step in his life. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the heavyweight G.O.A.T. admitted that he was scared and nervous to step into the ring for the first time in his life. Ali was just 12 years old at the time which naturally garnered a fear in him to engage in a combat sport. “I was nervous and scared. I was shaking,” he said. However, he was then asked if he went to the gym the next day to which Ali replied. “Yes—every night for a month. I loved it.”he added

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

This would turn out to be the best decision of his life as he would go on to win the junior Olympics and Golden Gloves competition. Moreover, in hindsight, if Ali would have decided not to pursue boxing it would have robbed us of a legend that would go on to create history.

Why Muhammad Ali is regarded as the greatest boxer ever

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite his impact outside the ring, Ali’s boxing skills were elite. He was a great physical specimen. Ali was also tall, broad-shouldered, and had a long reach. Moreover, his footwork surpassed every other heavyweight as he moved like a welterweight. His jab was the fastest and most accurate in comparison to others. Ali could throw vicious and beautiful combinations in a matter of seconds leaving his opponents dazed and confused.

via Imago

This combined with his elocution on the microphone and tough stances on hard-hitting political issues made him the legend that he is known by. boxing legend

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

What did you make of Ali’s emotional state before he took up boxing? Do you admire his legacy? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY –  Top 5 Fights on Which Boxing Fans Would Pay Anything to Watch …

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Sahil Sood

1,864Articles

One take at a time

Sahil Sood is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, and holds a keen interest in the 'sweet science'. His journey towards following boxing began when he first saw the highlights of Mike Tyson as a teenager, and then closely followed the rise of Floyd Mayweather.
Show More>

Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui