The Passing of Ali Shakes Up the World

The world seemed to slow down last night as the news of Muhammad Ali's passing filled social media. It was a tragedy the world could see coming, but couldn't prepare for. Ali's influence on the world, not just boxing, is one that won't ever, can't ever be replicated. Aside from boxing, Ali became the face of Parkinson's disease and was very outspoken when it came to racial tension and activism. He was more than just an athlete, and the world already feels a little emptier without him.

First minute. First round. That's all it took.

It's impossible for me to truly remember Muhammad Ali. Being 21 years old, I've only ever known him through his on-going battle with Parkinson's. I never saw him step into the ring. I never saw him throw a punch. Heck, I never even saw him in an interview where his true personality could be shown. Muhammad Ali was never truly a boxer to me, rather he was like a cartoon, a fictional character. The only way for me to try and understand who Ali was in his prime is to watch YouTube videos and google his famous quotes. I wasn't even close to being born when Ali took over the sports world, so for me to watch film of how dominant he was and to hear how cocky and unfiltered he sounded, it doesn't even scratch the surface of his greatness.

That is why Ali was always "larger than life" to me. Could someone have really been that dominant? Is it even possible that someone, in a world where LeBron James and Richard Sherman ruffle some feathers for declaring themselves "the best in the game", could have been so conceited that he labeled himself "The Greatest"? I've seen the highlights and I've heard the interviews. There will never be another athlete or person like Muhammad Ali. Not even close.

The Muhammad Ali I knew needed help everywhere he went. I can remember a couple years ago when Ali was recognized at a Louisville football game, and the poor shape that he was in. There was no boyish smile, there was no lightning-quick footwork being displayed, there were no words spoken. He was simply...there. With sunglasses on and wearing a suit, being held up, literally, by his family members. I'm not even sure he could appreciate where he was. Parkinson's stripped him of everything he used to be.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

What I've come to appreciate about Muhammad Ali, though, is just how influential he was in every stage of his life. Whether he was fighting in the ring, or fighting a terrible disease, Ali went into every battle thinking he was going to win. There was no room for doubt, there was no room for question. He was a winner, a trooper, a true champion. He taught us how to believe in ourselves, and how to speak our minds. He showed us how to push through adversity, and eliminate fear from our hearts. His personality may have been viewed as overbearing but the lessons he taught will live on forever.

Last night we said goodbye to the greatest athlete to ever live. The original "Greatest of All Time". Perhaps the most quotable athlete, aside from Yogi Berra, has left us in body, but not in spirit. Muhammad Ali should be remembered for more than just his boxing matches. Yes, he completely changed the sport of boxing, but he also changed the world. It's hard to imagine losing someone so successful and influential, but the great thing about someone like Ali is that the legacy doesn't die. It's still here. It will always be here. Sure he gave us great highlights and great one-liners, but above all else Ali gave us all hope. Hope that we can conquer whatever battle it is we're currently facing, regardless of how big or small it may be. Whether you view him as Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali, the Black Superman, or The Greatest, he was a champion and a pioneer. And he was pretty, too.