Muhammad Ali, Boxing Legend, Passes Away

Muhammad Ali, the heavyweight boxing legend of the world, passed away on Friday, June 4, at the age of 74 after years of battling Parkinson's disease. Earlier, news agencies had reported the transfer of this Muslim boxer to the hospital due to his deteriorating condition, but shortly after, the family of this American boxing champion and one of the legends of the 20th century announced his death in the hospital. Muhammad Ali, originally named Cassius Clay, fought Parkinson's disease for 32 years. He had been hospitalized several times in recent years due to his worsening health, but throughout these years, he continued to participate in events and express his opinions on various issues. Cassius Clay, who converted to Islam in 1964 and subsequently changed his name to Muhammad Ali, attacked the potential Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in one of his last political statements. After Mr. Trump suggested banning Muslims from entering the United States in one of his most controversial remarks, the American boxer issued a scathing statement in December criticizing Trump's views. Muhammad Ali, who called himself 'The Greatest' in the boxing ring, was born as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. After converting to Islam in 1964, he was often criticized for this action as well as for his stance against the Vietnam War and his defense of civil rights for African Americans, but he stood firm in his beliefs and eventually gained widespread acceptance, especially in his later years as a political and civil rights activist. In 2005, Muhammad Ali received the highest civilian award in the United States, the 'Presidential Medal of Freedom,' from the sitting president.