To start our Sporting Greats series, let’s celebrate the life of Muhammad Ali.

“The Champion” was born into a Louisville family, named Cassius Clay, in 1942. He had four brothers and one sister.

Ali is said to have first started boxing when he became angry over a thief stealing his bike. Joe E. Martin was the police officer who was dealing with the case; he also happened to be a boxing coach. Ali told Martin he was going to “whup” the thief, to which Martin replied: “You’re going to have to learn how to box first”. Ali’s legacy had begun.

Ali’s professional career began with a sixth round victory over Tunny Hunsaker on October 29th, 1960. By his 19th fight, he was still undefeated. 15 of the victories were by knockout. In late 1963, at age 22, he became the youngest boxer to ever take the world heavyweight title from a reigning champion, Sonny Liston. This was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Ali was given the nickname “The Louisville Lip” on account of his ferocious trash talk. He claimed on many occasions that he was “the greatest”. This was the man who also gave us the famous quote, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”. His cocky attitude was not favoured by a lot of spectators, and he would often get cascaded with boos and jeers. Nevertheless, he was a champion and is, still to this day, considered to be “The Greatest”.

Unfortunately, with his growing age came the end of his career. For his second to last fight he was to face Larry Holmes. Ali had become weak because of taking thyroid medication and everyone was aware he was on his last boxing legs. Even his opponent, Holmes, didn’t want to fight him for this reason. However, the fight went on. The commentator, Giachetti, is quoted to have deemed the fight as “awful… the worst sports event I ever had to cover!” He fought and lost his last fight on December 11, 1981.

A documentary depicting the life of this great man was released in late 2014.

Muhammad Ali Facts

• He changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali when he converting to the religion of Islam   .

• His first professional loss came after a staggering 31 fights.

• Many people thought he chucked his Olympic Gold medal into the Ohio River. However, he actually just lost it.

• He talked a war veteran out of committing suicide.

• He features in a DC Comic named “Superman VS Muhammad Ali”.

Dancing is a great way to keep fit, test yourself and learn something new.

There are so many different dances you can learn. Have a look at a few that we have picked out. Try googling “dance classes” and the name of the city/town/village you live in to find out where you can learn locally.

Swing

Swing became popular in America during the 20s and 30s. It’s lively and energetic. You might see classes offering Lindy Hop, which is very similar to swing and just as popular. Swing music is mostly based on jazz. You will need a dance partner.

Irish Step Dance

Riverdance brought Irish step dancing to the world, and now it’s used by many as a way to keep fit. You have to keep your upper body stiff whilst your feet are doing all the work. Irish step dance is usually accompanied by traditional music played using wind instruments like the flute.

Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian dance that incorporates martial arts. It is a combination of acrobatics, rhythmic movements and martial arts kicks. The music comes from a traditional Brazilian instrument called the Berimbau, and drums feature strongly too.

Breakdance

Breakdance originated in New York during the 70s with street dancers dancing to Hip Hop music. It’s an energetic dance involving floor work. You need strength, flexibility and balance to do it well. Most breakdancers dance alone, but you can coordinate moves with other people too.

Bollywood

The Bollywood dance comes from India and is used in the famous Bollywood films. It’s a combination of traditional Indian folk dance, belly dancing and modern jazz. You need to be able to sway your hips in time with the music, which is usually energetic Indian pop.

Ballet

Ballet requires strength and stamina. It’s a graceful dance, which is normally based on classical music. Many people think that to learn ballet, you need to start young, but this isn’t the case. You can take up ballet at any age.

Lion Dance

Lion dancing comes from China. It’s traditionally performed by two people wearing a lion costume, which consists of a papier-mâché head and a body made out of cloth. The costumes are very colourful and ornate. The dance is usually performed by students and professionals of the martial art Kung Fu. There are Kung Fu classes in many towns and some of them offer to teach Lion Dancing too.

Flamenco

Flamenco comes from Southern Spain. The women wear beautiful flouncy skirts and stamp their feet to music that relies a lot on classical guitar and rhythmic hand clapping. Flamenco dancers carry castanets in their hands, while they gracefully move their arms and hands in time with the music.

 

Kiwano

• Also known as a horned melon
• Taste compared to a mix of kiwi, cucumber and banana
• Rich in potassium, vitamin A and C

 

Carambola/ Star Fruit

• Added to seafood or meat for tart flavour
• Nice as jam or chutney
• Average sized fruit only 28 calories!

 

Rambutan

• Relative of the lychee
• Contains iron, vitamin C and Manganese
• Do not eat the seed

 

Buddha’s Hand

• Tastes like lemon without pulpy texture
• Very rich in Vitamin C
• 1 tablespoon equals 13% of your daily Vitamin C intake

 

Kumquats

• Not a citrus fruit, classed under fortunella
• High in Vitamin C and fibre
• All of the fruit can be eaten, even the rind

 

Jackfruit

• Largest fruit to grow on trees. Biggest recording was 80 pounds!
• Can be eaten raw, in a curry or as homemade chips
• Good source of Vitamin C and Manganese

 

Mangosteen

• Fruit described as “sweet, tangy, citrusy and peachy”
• Contains B Vitamin that’s good for pregnant women
• Contains fibre, iron, vitamin C and folate

 

Cherimoya

• Inside texture described as ‘creamy flesh’
• Known as the Custard Apple
• packs 60 percent of your daily recommended vitamin C

 

Tumeric Root

• Can been included in smoothies
• Contains curcumin- a powerful antioxidant
• Some research suggests curcumin could help fight off some types of cancer

 

Pitaya/ Dragon Fruit

• Classed as a cactus
• Rich in fibre and antioxidants
• ‘Soft’ flavours compared to strawberry

 

Source(s): Huffington Post Lifestyle