Muhammad Ali fights Sonny Liston, February 1964.

In this image we see Muhammad Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay before converting to Islam, standing over opponent Sonny Liston during their boxing match in 1964. Muhammad Ali stands over Sonny Liston with an expression of anger and a stance of power. As Muhammad Ali was victorious in this fight, this picture symbolizes success. It could be seen as a motivational picture and can give someone the confidence to fight their battles face on.

The fighters had two fights together, competing for the boxing World’s Heavyweight Championship. These fights were among some of the most anticipated, watched and controversial fights in sports history. At the time this fight took place, Muhammad Ali was still going by the name Cassius Clay. Their first fight was held in Miami Beach Florida in February 1964, where Mr Clay, later Mr Ali, won at the opening of the seventh round after giving Mr Liston a hard time in round six. A year later in 1965, their second fight took place in Lewiston, Maine, where Mr Ali won with a first round knockout.

Short Story Scene:

I walked past my posters daily, but on this particular day, only one stood out to me. The legendary Ali vs Liston fight. Seeing Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston with that fire in his eyes, the look of hunger, not taking no for an answer, it inspired me. They weren’t just fighting, they were creating history while doing what they loved. Day by day I grow to resent my school and the people that go there. The smug look on Alex’s face as he received his math’s test back, probably starring at another A. Then there’s me, receiving another C, average, nothing special, my parents are getting worse at pretending it’s good enough for them. I know I can be better, I know I can push myself and focus and hopefully get an A for the next test, I just get distracted too easily. Standing here at 8:17am looking at the power Ali holds as he stands over Liston, that’s the power I want, that’s the power I’m aiming for. Oh, how I would love to see the look on Alex’s face when it’s me that look’s at my test paper with pure smugness. My parents wouldn’t know where to hide their surprised faces. “How did he pull this off?” they would mutter to one another as they walked away in amusement. The next test is Monday morning, that gives me four days to get my head down and prove everyone wrong. I WILL win this fight. Just like Muhammad Ali did. Right, 8:19am now, better get going before I miss the bus, that wouldn’t be the best of starts to my victory now would it.