Whether it be race and civil rights issues of the American mainstream, radical and militant racial attitudes of the American fringe left (check out this book review of The Champ and Mr. X for a terrific discussion of Ali's relationship with the Nation of Islam and Malcolm X), a growing and then surging anti-Vietnam War sentiment among America's youth, or the broader establishment-anti-establishment perspectives of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ali seemed to capture it all.
Here is a video link to the legendary Ali-Frazier I fight from March 1971, in my view still the most exciting and significant modern prize fight, and discussed all his major fights including the Rumble in the Jungle victory over George Foreman in 1974 when Ali regained the title many thought he should not have been forced to surrender in the first place.
In recent years, I would argue that Ali (while garnering almost universal praise and tribute) is treated too simplistically by most observers. The accolades he receives are deserved, but fail to fully do justice to a man that engendered such passion, hatred, animosity, and respect for nearly three decades of boxing. Please be able to discuss a full perspective of Ali in class.
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