Mohammed Ali An American Destiny, by Alexis Philonenko

This portrait retraces the key moments in the exceptional destiny of Cassius Clay, who became Mohammed Ali after his conversion to Islam. With passion and strength, Alexis Philonenko recounts the exploits that punctuate this mythical life in America in the 1960s and 1970s. The fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier or George Foreman are told with precision and rigor. The greatness of Mohammed Ali is restored in all its power, as well as his extraordinary personality, his flamboyant verb, his incredible character which earned him the nickname The Greatest. Ali's boxing, so airy and dancing, was brilliant, and Alexis Philonenko restores its grace and singularity, retracing this 20th century odyssey.

About Muhammad Ali

Born on January 17, 1942, Cassius Clay converted to Islam and traded his slave name for that of Muhammad Ali. Agile and fast, the one who stings like a bee and dances like a butterfly wins an Olympic title and three world championships. Since he hung up the gloves in 1981, he has devoted himself to charitable works. He wrote L'Ame du Papillon with the complicity of his daughter Hana Yasmeen.

About the author: Alexis Philonenko

Alexis Philonenko is the author of an authoritative History of Boxing (new edition, Bartillat, 2002). He is also the author of numerous books on the history of philosophy.