Greatest of All Time. A Tribute to Muhammad Ali

Greatest of All Time: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali is not just a book; it is a testament to the extraordinary life of one of the worlds most famous athletes. GOAT delves into the intricate layers of Alis existence, tracing Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.s journey from his humble beginnings navigating segregation and financial hardship in Louisville, Kentucky, to his evolution into the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Essays by those closest to him reveal stories behind monumental fights like those with Sonny Liston, the Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman, and Thrilla in Manila against Joe Frazier. The book also explores Alis signature fighting style, which, when paired with his rapper-style wit, positioned him as a charismatic figure inside and outside the ring. Beyond boxing, GOAT weaves together Alis historic moments with his resilience against discrimination and his determination to confront racial inequities. His triumph at the 1960 Rome Olympics was marred by hostility, underscoring the racial tensions he faced; Ali boldly challenged these prevailing biases. The boxers embrace of Islam became a cornerstone of his moral standards, guiding his principles against racism, inequality, and undue violence, with the latter informing his staunch opposition to the Vietnam War. Interspersed between these accounts are thousands of historical documents and images of Ali, including the boxers documentarian-turned-confidant Howard Binghams intimate snapshots, Neil Leifer and Flip Schulkes iconic pictures, and Hank Kaplans archival contributions. Stills from Leon Gast's film When We Were Kings, which told the story of Alis pivotal 1974 fight, are also included in the volume. GOAT is a heartfelt homage to a boxing legend, exploring Muhammad Alis indomitable spirit and celebrating his enduring impact on civil rights, sports, and culture.