The passing of Muhammad Ali was really difficult for me to take in.
He was born on January 7, 1942, and unfortunately, he was taken from us on June 2, 2016.
Especially because hours before I heard the news I was reading stories and watching videos of Mike Tyson being inducted into the Hall Of Fame talking about what kind of positive impact Ali had on his life.
He told the story of meeting Ali during the fight over 30 years ago where he lost to Larry Holmes (a fight not a lot of people talk about). At 14, Tyson made a promise that he would beat Holmes.
"When I grow up, I'll fight Holmes and I'll get him back for you."
That day in 1988 where Tyson caught Holmes in that 4th round with a KO... was a huge deal.
"Remember what you said- get him for me".
He stuck to his promise to seek revenge for Ali's loss 7 years later.
I was blessed to grow up in a household that was flooded with conversations and stories of great boxers before my time. Mohammad Ali was of course one of them.
RIP to the GOAT.
Record of 56-5 with 37 of those being knockouts. thank you for everything you have done in this world. You paved the way for African Americans to have a voice, not only in this sport but overall.
A true legend, always.