Cassius Clay
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In 1960, Cassius Clay of Louisville, Kentucky, made his boxing debut at the Olympic Games in Rome. Clay was eighteen years old and boxed in the light heavyweight category. His quick-footed movements and furiously fast punches led him to the gold medal match. He competed against Polish boxer Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, and Clay won the gold medal in a unanimous decision.
Clay was so proud of his medal that he refused to take it off for two whole days. Four years later, Clay won a bout against Sonny Liston to become the world heavyweight champion. Shortly after that, he became a member of the Nation of Islam, whose members are known as Black Muslims, and changed his name to a Muslim name. The name he chose is one of the most recognized sports names in the world to this day: Muhammad Ali.
Clay was so proud of his medal that he refused to take it off for two whole days. Four years later, Clay won a bout against Sonny Liston to become the world heavyweight champion. Shortly after that, he became a member of the Nation of Islam, whose members are known as Black Muslims, and changed his name to a Muslim name. The name he chose is one of the most recognized sports names in the world to this day: Muhammad Ali.
A.
What caused Clay to fight in the gold medal match?
- his boxing debut
- his quick style
- his young age
- his boxing category