Prophets And Losses

OUTSIDE THE RING-- It may come like a blow to the head when you discover that questionable images of Muhammad Ali have been circulating over the Internet. As a boxing fan, I must say that I am completely offended by these outlandish images and perverted Photoshops of the greatest boxer who ever lived, Muhammad Ali.

I don't know who is propheting from these sick and twisted images of the man formerly known as Cassius Clay, but I can say that no good will come of it. If I were an individual prone to violence, and I don't mean violence in sports, and yes I must admit that boxing is definitely one of the most violent (just ask Sugar Ray Leonard), I would definitely be protesting the way that this culturally-questionable imagery is being promoted like one of Don King's Atlantic City specials.

Muhammad Ali was a heavyweight in political activism as well as the boxing ring, but comparing the "World's Greatest" to a sacred and revered religious icon hits us all like a one-two punch. The gloves have truly come off, and we doubt that this offensive material will make it three rounds before hitting the mat.

Muhammad Ali once said that: "Wars on nations change maps. War on poverty maps change." But he never mentioned anything about the war against free speech. Blood will run from the vicious open cut on the forehead of society. It's going to take more than smelling salts to wake us up from this horror. It will take some time before we can see from our swollen eyes, and be able listen to the cries of the world through our cauliflowered ears.

I think it's a unanimous decision that the great Muhammad Ali would never "bomb" in the ring the way his images are being knocked around the World Wide Web like an Iraqi war prisoner. I'd say that the Internet is becoming more corrupt than a Las Vegas referee with a serious gambling problem.

Will this story float around the 'Net like a butterfly? Will it sting like a bee? Or will it drop to the floor like a glass-jawed pretender who just blew his shot at the title?

This story about Muhammad Ali and the cartoons of the prophet Muhammad is brought to you by The Toque, the world leader in Muhammad Ali parody, Muhammad Ali satire, and other boxing humour.