Muhammad Ali burst onto the boxing scene over half a century ago, dominating the sport throughout the sixties and seventies. Yet, his effect on the sport is still prevalent. He evolved into a true pop culture icon whose image remains everywhere. Labeled the "Louisville Lip" by the press, the then Cassius Clay carved up opponents with his quick wit and sharp tongue as easily as and thoroughly as with his rapid, razor-sharp punching. Throughout his career, Ali's highly animated rhyming recitations delivering accurate pre-fight prognostications were as anticipated as his performances in the ring. Ali was the "Poet Laureate of Pugilism." It is in that spirit that author David A. Bates has created "ODES ON ALI" ('A Tribute To The Greatest") covering Ali's professional boxing career from his pro debut to the fight in which he captured the heavyweight title for the third and final time. Each fight is recalled in a lyrically rhyming poetry style reminiscent of Ali's own rhyming recitations. A concise biographical portrayal that is an informatively accurate, highly entertaining, read, "ODES ON ALI" was created to be a wonderful walk down memory lane for Ali fans old and new as well as those who might still wonder what the fuss was about.
