Summary

Epigraph -- An untitled Epigraph opens Becoming Muhammad Ali. The10 lines indicate the biographical novel is based on true events and real people, but parts are “imagined.”

ROUND ONE – Lucius said he has never forgotten the events about his best friend, Cassius Clay (who became known as Muhammad Ali). Cassius's family and friends, including Lucius, were gathered Cassius's home in Louisville, Kentucky, in February of 1958. Cassius was in Chicago, fighting for his first Golden Gloves title. Lucius and the others were anxiously awaiting Cassius's phone call to tell them the outcome. Those gathered include Cassius's father, Mr. Clay, known to most as Cash. He painted signs and the scent of his paints mingled with the food Mrs. Clay (known as Momma Bird) was cooking. Someone made a comment that Cassius should buy his mother a bigger house once he became famous, and she...