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Celebrating Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali
1/15/25
On January 17, we celebrate the birthday of one of the most iconic figures in sports history – Muhammad Ali (1942-2016). Known for his exceptional boxing talent, Ali revolutionized the sport with his agility, speed and unrivaled technique, becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion. Beyond his achievements in the ring, his unmatched charisma and bold personality made him a global and local icon.
Ali’s impact also stretched far beyond sports. He was a fearless activist who spoke out on issues such as racial injustice, civil rights and the Vietnam War, advocating for change and justice. His resilience and courage in standing firm in his beliefs continue to inspire current and future generations.
As Ferdie Pacheco, Ali’s physician and cornerman famously said, “Cassius Clay was born in Louisville, but Muhammad Ali was made in Miami.” This iconic statement, featured in the 2008 PBS documentary Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami, highlights the profound impact Miami had on shaping Ali’s legendary career and persona.
Ali arrived in South Florida in 1960, leaving an indelible mark on Miami and Miami Beach. He trained at the renowned 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach in preparation for his historic 1964 fight against Sonny Liston at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where he claimed the world heavyweight championship title. In his free time, he was known to enjoy live music at the famed Hampton House, located in the historically Black neighborhood of Brownsville. It was also in Miami that Ali announced his conversion to Islam, first adopting the name Cassius X and later becoming Muhammad Ali, solidifying his legacy both inside and outside the ring.
In February 1995, the Miami-Dade Public Library System honored Ali’s impressive legacy with two simultaneous exhibitions: Howard L. Bingham: Muhammad Ali, A Thirty-Year Journey and Miami Ringside: Muhammad Ali Boxing Memorabilia from Local Collections.
The Howard L. Bingham exhibition, displayed in the Main Library auditorium, featured the work of Ali’s close friend and renowned freelance photographer. These bold images, drawn from Bingham’s book Muhammad Ali: A Thirty-Year Journey, offered an intimate look into the life and career of the world champion.
The Miami Ringside exhibit, showcased on the second floor of the Main Library, highlighted an impressive array of boxing memorabilia, including posters, programs, promotional guides, tickets and training camp artifacts, such as Ali’s training sweaters, punching bag, hats, belt buckles and buttons. Contributions came from local industry leaders, including Miami boxing historian Hank Kaplan and Pacheco. Many of these treasures originated from the 5th Street Gym, further cementing Miami’s role in Ali’s legacy.
Today, the Library’s Digital Collections contain archived images from this remarkable chapter in Ali’s life, preserving the moments and achievements he made in Miami. As we reflect on his illustrious career, his library exhibitions and life stand as a testament to his strength, courage and the definite mark he left on sports, culture and Miami’s history.
