It is hard to believe someone could extract another book out of Muhammad Ali. The man's life and career have spawned hundreds of books including autobiographies, biographies, memorable fights and post-career content. Somehow, Jonathan Eig managed to produce 'Ali, a life' this year. Not only that, it's brilliant and one of the best sports books of 2017.
Eig's book took six years and almost 600 pages but is a comprehensive and frank investigation into Ali's life, varying from the genius in the ring to the sexist, racist and adulterer that he was outside it.
Throughout sport, there have been many famous snubs. John Terry and Wayne Bridge, Rory McIlroy and Roy Keane, Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez.
One of many fascinating anecdotes within the book involves Ali and his idol, Sugar Ray Robinson. A young Cassius Clay was terrified of flying and even suggested he would skip the 1960 Olympics because it took place in Italy. However, he was enticed to go as they were stopping over in New York.
New York was also the home of Sugar Ray Robinson, one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers of all time. Ali modelled his style on Robinson and admired him as one of the few black men who flaunted their wealth in America.
When he arrived in New York it was immediately arranged that Ali along with three other members of the US boxing team visit Harlem and Robinson. He wasn't there, but Ali insisted on waiting. Even the news that a Nation of Islam prophet was preaching nearby, a religion Ali adored, could not bring him away from the street Robinson occupied.
Eventually, Robinson pulled up in his purple Lincoln Continental and was introduced to the young Olympians. Robinson "muttered vaguely" towards Ali, gifting him little more than a nod before departing. He said he was too busy for an autograph.
"I was so hurt" Ali is quoted as saying.
If Sugar Ray only knew how much I loved him and how long I'd followed him, maybe he wouldn't have done that... I said to myself right then, 'If I ever get great and famous and people want my autograph enough to wait all day and see me, I'm sure goin' to treat em' different.'
A bitterly disappointed Ali left New York, flew to Rome and won an Olympic gold medal. Throughout his life, he is reported to always be willing to sign autographs even having a special P.O. box for anyone who wanted one.
More than anyone else, Muhammad Ali is the ultimate embodiment of human experience. He is both the victim of racism and a perpetual racist, a philanthropist and a bully, an icon and an imposter.
Eig's book captures it all. He conducted over 500 interviews and referenced never-before-seen FBI files. It is a stunning account of Ali's life from cradle to grave and full-value for money.
