October 30th is the 45th anniversary of “The Rumble in the Jungle”, a boxing match between Muhammad Ali (nicknamed “The Greatest”) and George Foreman, which had an estimated television viewing audience of one billion. Ali won the match and “The Rumble in the Jungle” became boxing legend. But this event was only one of many gifts “The Greatest” gave to the world.
Muhammad Ali (originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.) was among the most important and well-known sports figures of the 20th century, having won an Olympic Gold medal in boxing and holding the world heavyweight boxing title three separate times. He was a leading activist and philanthropist, and entertained the planet as a world-class communicator.
“The Greatest” gifted the world with his spirit of competition, drive in reaching one’s full potential, focus on improving society, compassion for humankind and addictive personality. The example he set is one we strive to follow.