BLOOD BROTHERS: The fatal friendship between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: Johnny Smith & Randy Roberts

BLOOD BROTHERS: The fatal friendship between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X – Johnny Smith and Randy Roberts.

What hurts most about all of this is what could have become of Malcolm.  I can understand the turmoil of the moment, the hatred towards him from his expulsion from the Nation but man, Malcolm really was on to something special…

This book chronicles Ali’s rise, or should I say Cassius’, from his arrival in Miami to begin his professional career to his second victory over Sonny Liston.  And how as the Louisville Lip, he built the persona of a boorish clown with his boisterous antics, but once he met Malcolm, learned about the Nation, became Cassius X, defeated Sonny Liston and became heavyweight champion of the world; it was Malcolm’s influence directing his path on becoming a global phenom and world ambassador.

They only knew other for less than 2 years but they became brothers and inseparable as Ali transformed, through Malcolm’s teachings, into a conscientious Black Man.  But soon after, the scandal of Elijah was revealed, which ultimately led to Malcolm’s banishment from the nation and his untimely death.  During this period Ali had to choose, follow Malcolm or stay with the Nation.  He chose the Nation.  But look at Ali post Malcolm’s death, who is he?

Malcolm X.

You’ll learn why Ali made his choice and how he truly felt about Malcolm and The Nation for that matter but most importantly you’ll learn how the man we all love today as Muhammad Ali is a result of the 19 months he spent with Malcolm.

A must read!