- Moderator
- #21
Are you saying that Ali joined the Nation of Islam as a publicity stunt?
I wouldn't know for sure, of course.
But that is my opinion.
In boxing and wrestling, the idea is to get people into the seats. And if they don't care if you win or lose, that becomes a lot more difficult. It is better if they hate you, rather that be indifferent.
Mr. Ali's personality did transform over the years from his most radical days back in the 1960's, but the fact he never gave up his schtick doesn't mean that it wasn't just his brand.
His brand? His conversion to Islam is the fundamental reason he refused to be drafted. That cost him his title and the ability to fight during his prime. Thre was no guarantee that he would ever be allowed to fight again. The federal gov't revoked his boxing license and took away his passport. Few fighters could have come back from a 4 year layoff and win the title again.
You are welcome to your belief. I believe Ali stood up for what he believed and won. His activism changed things.