“His legacy is burning. The last photo session of the legendary Muhammad Ali and his last photographs taken during his lifetime Latest photographs of the king of boxing Muhammad Ali

On June 3, at the age of 74, legendary boxer Muhammad Ali passed away due to lung problems. Muhammad Ali's cause of death was septic shock due to "undetermined natural causes." This is an irreparable loss for the whole world; a true legend has left us, whose name will forever remain in the history of world sports.

Not everyone knows that for three decades, Muhammad Ali fought Parkinson's disease. In March 2016, a British photographer named Zenon Teixeira was invited by Muhammad Ali's family to his home in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, to conduct the former world champion's last lifetime photo shoot. Also recently, the last lifetime photographs of the boxer, published by his daughter named Nana Ali, appeared online. We invite you to look at those and other photographs, saturated with pain and revelation.

Raised my fists for the last time...

Muhammad Ali's last photo shoot was done at the end of March at the boxer's home with the permission of his family.

As always stern and serious

Mesmerizing photos of Muhammad Ali after 32 years of unequal battle with neurodegenerative disease

The last photographs of Muhammad Ali during his lifetime, taken by his daughter Hana Ali on May 22 during a conversation via the Facetime application and published by her on her page in Twitter

“The last photo of my wonderful father... I told him I love him on May 22, 2016,” Hana captioned this photo

Blowing a kiss with your daughter

"Blowing a kiss to her dad on March 15th while she watches westerns and waits for Lonnie to bring him a piece of pie," photo caption

A message from the entire Muhammad Ali family, also posted on Hana's page

"Our hearts are literally breaking. But we are happy that our dad is finally free. We tried to stay strong and whispered to him: 'Now you can leave.' Everything will be fine with us. We love you. Thank you. Now we can go back to God." We were all next to him, hugging him, kissing him, holding his hands, repeating Islamic prayers. All his organs failed, but his heart did not stop beating. 30 minutes.. his heart continued beating. "No one has ever seen anything like it. A true testament to his fortitude and willpower! Thank you all for your love and support."

Rest in peace, champion, your name will remain for centuries!

If we look at the statistics, we can see that over four million people suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Among them may be as usual elderly woman, whom we meet on the way to the bakery, and a famous person whom the whole planet knows. The history of celebrities struggling with this disease is an example of how not to give up in such a situation and try to prolong an active life. Muhammad Ali's illness became a difficult test for him, but the world-famous boxer did not think of stopping the fight against the disease.

Childhood

The future great boxer was born on January 17, 1942 in the city of Louisville, his mother was housewife Odessa Clay. He was given his name in honor of his father, who was an artist by profession. So the boy became Cassius Jr. Two years later, his younger brother, Rudolf, was born. Growing up, both boys took on pseudonyms: the eldest - Muhammad Ali, the younger - Rahman Ali.

Their Friendly family never considered one of the needy, although, of course, the white population lived much better. My father painted signs, my mother sometimes worked part-time cleaning the houses of wealthy people. The parents were even able to save up money for a decent cottage.

During Cassius's childhood, America existed in an atmosphere of inequality. The boy did not understand why blacks were considered second-class citizens. The father, for his part, often showed his sons photographs of a teenager who was brutally killed by whites. They were found, but not punished. And my mother was proud of her white-skinned Irish grandfather.

First steps in boxing

One day, 12-year-old Clay's bicycle, which he loved very much, was stolen. The boy decided to beat the guys who offended him. But the white policeman Joe Martin he met, who was also a boxing coach at the same time as this job, said that first you need to learn how to fight, and then beat someone. Thus began the training of Cassius, who also took his younger brother along.

It was difficult to work with Cassius: he often and a lot bullied other boxers, without stopping, shouting that best athlete is he and only him. But so far no coach could see much potential in the guy. The first fight, which took place just a month and a half after Cassius joined the section, changed everything. The boy liked that this fight was broadcast on television. Despite the fact that Cassius was a novice, he won against a white opponent. After the fight ended, overjoyed, he shouted at the camera that he would soon become a great boxer. The boy’s serious work on himself began with his first victory.

Sports career of a great boxer

These were the years before Muhammad Ali's illness had yet taken over his body. He was only fourteen when he won the Golden Gloves tournament in 1956. This was a great start to his career. By the day he graduated from school, the young man had won 100 fights and received only 8 defeats.

Gradually, the boxer's signature style began to emerge. He seemed to be dancing around his opponent, dodging his blow. On Olympic Games Muhammad Ali defeated Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, earning gold medal. He entered professional boxing at the end of October 1960 after a fight with Tanny Hunsecker, which ended in Ali's victory.

In order to start working with a new coach, Cassius Clay moved to Miami. The coach managed to find an approach to the boxer with a difficult character: he did not try to control Clay, but respected and guided him. In 1962, in just six months, the young boxer scored five victories by knockout.

Muhammad Ali's illness has not yet manifested itself in the athlete's powerful body. He was strong and invincible. The fight with Liston was quite serious and difficult, but after the victory, Muhammad Ali achieved the title of world champion in heavyweight. He later earned the title of boxer of the century. And in the early 90s, Ali was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame to remain a legend of the sport for many years.

Boxers and Parkinson's disease

To date, scientists have not been able to understand why changes develop in the brain, which subsequently lead to But it is known: there is a direct connection between traumatic injury brain and the gradual development of motor pathology. If a person has had a head injury, then the risk of developing this disease is approximately four times higher than in those people who have not had such injuries.

Boxers are the most likely to suffer chronic skull injuries. Doctors say parkinsonism is dangerous for both professional athletes, and for amateurs, because during a fight there is not enough protection. Each blow to the head causes a microconcussion, which leads to structural damage to the brain.

According to statistics, over half of boxers suffer from brain disorders. But the first symptoms remain invisible to both the boxers themselves and their relatives. First, memory impairment, tremors, and coordination are impaired. This can last for several months or even several years.

Unfortunately, boxer Muhammad Ali was also among those who fell ill. The cause of his illness was connected precisely with such injuries received over many years in fights in the ring. All his battles were equally difficult and did not exclude blows to the head. And every touch of the enemy’s fist to Ali’s head brought him closer to the onset of his illness.

Parkinson's disease and Muhammad Ali

The most famous patient with Parkinson's disease was Muhammad Ali. Parkinson's disease overtook him three decades ago, but he courageously fought against it, being an example for other patients and their relatives who had given up. For the boxer, fighting the disease became the meaning of his life.

He began this battle many years before the end of his sports career. He was diagnosed back in 1984. Their last fights He spent time in the ring, no longer being completely healthy. And 13 years later, in 1997, Muhammad Ali’s illness did not prevent him from opening the first center where movement disorders were treated.

His activities now include a thorough study of the mechanism of development of the disease, as well as all kinds of developments aimed at slowing the progression of this serious disease. The workers of this center tried to improve the social adaptation of patients with this diagnosis and change the attitude of healthy people towards the disease.

Charity

Today there are several foundations and centers that deal with this disease.

Muhammad Ali helped organize annual charity events. The disease of this strong man. Thanks to charity, he was able to collect impressive amounts of money. Donations help develop the scientific activities of the foundations, support and help patients with this disease. There are many different videos where you can see how famous boxer(Muhammad Ali’s disease, whose photo is still often found on the pages of glossy publications, had already progressed by this time) fights the disease, trying to independently perform the simplest self-care actions.

Main battle

The boxer’s daughter also tried to make her contribution to making people perceive this disease differently. She wrote a special book for young readers, in which she talked about the reasons for the development of this disease, how to correctly understand such people, about their Everyday life. And all this was done out of respect for his father, who always believed that the most important fight of his life was the battle with Parkinson's disease.

That's how he was greatest boxer twentieth century Muhammad Ali. Now the disease will no longer affect the health of the famous boxer, because on June 3, 2016, his life was cut short.

Muhammad Ali died in a Phoenix hospital where he spent the last few days.

The athlete, who went down in history forever, struggled with Parkinson's disease for more than 32 years. Lately he had become so weak that he could hardly speak or leave the house.

A memorial service for Ali is planned to be held in his hometown of Louisville (Kentucky, USA).

As an athlete, he will be remembered for his classic fights. In particular, for beating the formidable Liston, after which he became champion, "Fight of the Century", "Thriller in Manila" vs. Joe Fraser and "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, when, at the age of 32, he beat George Foreman in Kinshasa and regained his title.

“Ali, Frazier and Foreman. We were one. And a part of me has slipped away now,” Foreman tweeted.


“God has come for his champion. Been great for so long,” writes another former world champion in heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.


Former world champion Oscar De La Hoya also expressed condolences on the death legendary boxer. “Rest in peace, Muhammad Ali. A legend who transcended sports. Ali was a true champion for everyone."


“Rest in peace, the greatest of all time in every way,” the WBA, WBO, IBO world heavyweight champion tweeted. Tyson Fury.


Ali's influence outside the ring was no less noticeable. First, he shocked all of white America by converting to Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Cassius X, and later to Muhammad Ali. He later refused military service, saying he had no quarrel with Vietnam.

In 1967, still undefeated and with no worthy opponent in sight, Ali was stripped of his titles. He spent about three and a half years on Broadway. He lost his best years as a fighter, but his popularity only grew with his opposition to the Vietnam War. By the mid-1970s he was the most recognizable sports star on the planet.

In his prime, 10 years earlier, he had incredible strength and speed. Watching him was like going to the ballet. At the age of 18, he won Olympic gold in Rome, and four years later, in 1964, he became the world heavyweight champion, leaving Sonny Liston out of business. When Ernie Terrell called him Cassius Clay, he shouted "What's my name?" and continued the beating.

Ali vs Sonny Liston

In 1971, 5 months after his return, Ali secured a fight with Frazier. By that time he was no longer so fleet-footed, elusive and brilliant. The exciting fight ended in Ali's defeat, the first in his career.

Defeat from Ken Norton only confirmed Ali's fall, which ended in 1974 when he knocked out Foreman. When asked if he was planning to retire, Ali replied that he had already done so.

However, he continued to work until the grueling fight with Fraser, which he won when the opposing coach did not let his ward out for the 15th round. After the fight ended, Mohammed fell unconscious in his corner, and later stated that this was the only time he came close to death.

One of the most famous boxers in history, Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) for professional career Ali fought 61 fights, scoring 56 victories, 37 of them by knockout (he suffered five defeats). His name became a symbol of professional boxing, and the tactical scheme he invented: “hands work, eyes see; flutter like a butterfly, sting like a bee” is still used today. He is also Olympic champion 1960. In 1999, Muhammad Ali was voted "Sportsman of the Century".

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of a housewife.

1. Portrait without date. (Reuters Photo):



2. Classius Clay in London. (Reuters Photo):

3. Cassius Clay started boxing at age 12 after his red bike was stolen. Schwinn Bicycle Company, which he bought with the money he earned. Clay was very upset and at that moment met a white policeman, Joe Martin, telling him that he would beat up the person who stole his bicycle, to which Martin replied: “Before you beat someone up, you first need to learn how to do it.” (Reuters Photo):

4. Clay’s training was not easy; he constantly got into fights with other guys, announcing to the whole room that he best boxer and become world champion. At that moment, no one saw much potential in Cassius. (Reuters Photo):

5. Ali bullies Ken Norton. (Reuters Photo):

6 weeks after his first visit to the gym, Cassius’ debut amateur fight took place, which he won. For 2 next years Clay fought approximately one fight every three weeks, winning victory after victory.

6. Training before the second fight against Leon Spinks. (Reuters Photo):

Clay's debut in professional boxing took place on October 29, 1960. In 1964, at 22, Clay became the world heavyweight champion.

7. In the fifth. Muhammad Ali predicts victory in the fifth round against Henry Cooper. London, Wembley Stadium, June 1963. (Reuters Photo):

8. Fight against the British Henry Cooper, June 1963. (Reuters Photo):

After championship fight with Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964, joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Cassius X, then to Muhammad Ali and subsequently performed under it.

9. Muhammad Ali's two fights against Sonny Liston for the world heavyweight title were among the most anticipated and controversial fights in boxing history. This is a 1964 fight. (AFP Photo):

12. Muhammad Ali in London, 1966. (Reuters Photo):

In 1967, during the Vietnam War, Muhammad Ali was drafted into the US Army, but refused to fight in the war. His title was revoked, and the boxer himself was sentenced to five years for evading service. During this time, Ali was prohibited from boxing. In 1970, the US Supreme Court overturned the verdict, and the boxer returned to the ring.

13. Muhammad Ali training before his fight with Ernie Terrell, 1967:

"Fight of the Century" On December 30, 1970, Ali and Joe Frazier signed a contract for a unique fight at Madison Square Garden: for the first time in history, an undefeated former champion and an undefeated current champion were to meet.

It was the most anticipated event in the boxing world since 1938, when Joe Louis and Max Schmeling met in the ring. Many agreed that this fight would go down in the history of world sports. Feeling the importance of the moment, Mohammed tried to hurt Fraser as much as possible in the press. He called him a freak. Mohammed lost this fight by unanimous decision and suffered the first defeat in his professional career.

14. Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, New York, March 1971:

During his career, the American boxer fought 61 fights, winning 56 victories (37 of them by knockout).

16. Muhammad Ali vs. Ken Norton, September 1976. (Reuters Photo):

17. Muhammad Ali in Mexico City. (Reuters Photo):

19. Mohammed's first wife was waitress Sonji Roy, the couple got married a month after their first meeting.

In September 1984, Ali was hospitalized due to deterioration of his hearing, speech and motor functions. After all the tests and tests, the doctors came to the conclusion that he suffers from Parkinson's disease. This disease is incurable, all existing methods Treatments are aimed only at alleviating its symptoms.

20. Singer Whitney Houston presents Muhammad Ali with an award at the GQ ceremony, October 21, 1998. (Reuters Photo):

23. Muhammad Ali watches his daughter Laila Ali's professional boxing debut. (Reuters Photo):

24. His daughter Laila Ali, 2005. (Reuters Photo):

25. Photo as a keepsake after my daughter’s victory, 2005. (Reuters Photo):

26. US President George W. Bush presents Muhammad Ali with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, November 9, 2005. (Reuters Photo):

27. Former US President Bill Clinton and Muhammad Ali at one of the ceremonies honoring the great boxer, November 19, 2005. (Reuters Photo):

29. Ali at the presentation of his book in Frankfurt. (Reuters Photo):

31. Currently, under the auspices of Muhammad Ali, there are several centers and foundations dealing with the problem of parkinsonism. Muhammad Ali, July 2012. (Photo by David Kadlubowski):

32. On June 3, it was reported that a 74-year-old American was admitted to hospital due to breathing problems. On June 4, 2016, the boxer's cause of death was septic shock due to an unknown natural cause. The heart of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who died on Friday in the United States at the age of 74, continued to beat for another 30 minutes after all his organs failed.

Muhammad Ali was one of the most famous professional boxers in history, champion of the 1960 Olympic Games, absolute champion world heavyweight champion (1964-1966, 1974-1978), five-time winner of the title “Boxer of the Year” and the title “Boxer of the Decade”.

In honor of the date, we remember the 10 most interesting facts about your favorite heavyweight.

1. Name

At birth, the future boxing legend was named Cassius Clay (Cassius Clay). And they did it in honor of a white farmer and abolitionist of the 19th century who freed 40 slaves, inherited from his father.

  • Abolitionism (English abolitionism, from Latin abolitio, “abolition”) is a movement for the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of slaves.

2. Stolen bike

Muhammad Ali took up boxing at the age of 12. The boy's favorite red and white bicycle, bought with his earnings, was stolen Schwinn. Angry, he told police officer Joe Martin that he would beat up whoever did it.

“Before you beat someone, you first need to learn how to do it,” Joe answered the boy.

Martin was no ordinary policeman. He trained young boxers. He invited Ali to go to training. Only 6 weeks passed - and Muhammad entered the ring and immediately won his first amateur fight.

3. Amateur career

As an amateur boxer, Ali won 100 of his 108 fights. He has 6 victories in the championship.” Golden Gloves“ in Kentucky, as well as at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.

Source: WGSN.com

4. Olympic medal

In 1975, in his autobiography, Muhammad wrote that after returning to Louisville he abandoned his Olympic medal from a bridge into the Ohio River - to protest the racism that the boxer continued to face in his hometown.

Many people later said that Cassius simply lost it and made up the story. Be that as it may, in 1996, President International Olympic Committee presented the boxer with a duplicate of the lost gold medal.

5. Cassius X

The year is 1964, a fight for the world heavyweight title. Ali wins Sonny Liston (Sonny Liston). And he immediately joins the organization.” Nation of Islam" (Nation of Islam). Inspired by Malcolm X, Ali changes his name to Cassius X, and after a short time he takes a new name - Muhammad Ali.

  • Malcolm X (full name: Malcolm Little) is an African-American Islamic spiritual leader and human rights activist.


Source: history.com

6. Refusal to serve in the army

Ali not only refused to serve in the army, but also to take part in the Vietnam War. I thought it was unfair. For this, the boxer was sentenced to 5 years in prison. But he was subject to appeal, and “ zone“I passed him by.

But there were other troubles: Muhammad was stripped of his world title and banned from entering the ring for 3 years.

7. “Fight of the Century”

In 1971, Muhammad entered the ring to fight Joe Frazier ( Joe Frazier). The fight went down in history as “ Fight of the Century“, because each of the boxers received $2.5 million for it ( it was at Madison Square Garden).

Fraser won. Ali was shocked: this was his first defeat in professional boxing.

From that moment the confrontation began “ Ali-Fraser“. Two more fights followed, in which Muhammad won. Journalists called one of these fights “ Thriller in Manila“ (“Thrilla in Manila"). She is recognized as one of the best in boxing history.

8. “Rumble in the Jungle”

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