GORDON PARKS (1912-2006)
Muhammad Ali, 1966
Silver Gelatin, printed after
Of all the portraits taken by Parks, perhaps none is as stunning as the close-up of Muhammad Ali, emerging mottled with sweat from a shadowy background. The essay this image introduced appeared in the September 9, 1966, issue of Life, at a time when Ali was embattled both in and out of the boxing ring. Parks met Ali in Miami, where the champ was training. Accompanying him to London for his next ï¬Âght, Parks crafted a psychological portrait of Ali that most Americans might never have imagined. While Ali came off as supremely conï¬Âdent, even arrogant, in his public appearances, Parks bore witness to his courtesy and charm. â€Å“The Redemption of the Championâ€Â sought to rehabilitate Aliâ€â„¢s image by showing the human side of the smooth-talking fleet-footed boxer. It contained anecdotes about Aliâ€â„¢s patience, and quotations that revealed his concern for the opinion of others, especially the African-Americans who lionized him.

USED