Becoming Muhammad Ali

Lucky reflects that he might know Cassius better than he knows himself. He always knew his friend was destined for greatness. He and Rudy both witnessed his dedication to the sport, practicing with him each day. Lucky also saw how tired Cassius was between his job cleaning the Nazareth College library and boxing. One night, he was so tired that he fell asleep in the library. Now there is a marker there that says, “Cassius slept here” (254).

As Cassius prepared for the Golden Gloves in Chicago, he never let himself be kept down. It’s a lesson that Lucky still thinks about and has applied to his dreams of being a writer.

Lucky remembers that when Cassius graduated from Central High School, it was the source of some debate because he’d technically failed English. However, his principal advocated for him, knowing that Cassius would go on to do great things. His English teacher then opted to require a final oral presentation from him rather than a paper, and Cassius passed. At graduation, he received a standing ovation. Lucky adds that he “was always a good son, a good brother, a good friend” (255).

Lucky says that later, when asked what he wanted to be remembered for, Cassius said that he’d like to be seen as a mix of love and positive feelings.