Kings: Ali as Artist Normative

¶ … Kings: Ali as artist

Normative theories of art have been formulated to try and explain the value of art. In the Principles of Art by R.G. Collingwood, it is argued that the value of art lies in its ability to entertain the public (Graham, 95). It can be argued that the perception of art can be extended beyond galleries, museums, and concert halls into the sports arena. In the film When We Were Kings, Muhammad Ali transcends preconceived notions of art, raising the bar through his skill and showmanship.

When We Were Kings is the 1996 documentary directed by Leon Gast that chronicles the events leading up to the Heavyweight Champion of the World bout between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. This event, more famously known as "Rumble in the Jungle," was held on October 30, 1974 in Zaire in Africa. The film also documents performances by James Brown and B.B. King in what would later be referred to as the "black Woodstock" (Gast). The film provides commentary regarding the ethical background of the fight as it was primarily funded by the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko (Gast).

In the documentary, Ali not only provides insight into his rigorous training regimen, but is also able to capture the audience's imagination through his artful showmanship. Art can be defined as either a skill that is acquired by experience, study, or observation or the quality, production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful or more than of ordinary significance. Because Ali has mastered the art of boxing, so to speak, he can go beyond what has been expected of the sport and entertain the audience. It has been argued that in order for a sport to be considered an elevated art form, it must communicate something to the audience (Price). Ali's mastery of boxing technique allows him to build upon the skill he has acquired and manipulate his knowledge so that he can defeat Foreman, as well as, provide entertainment for the audience. It is through his status as a celebrity that Ali is able to move beyond the realm of sport, into the realm of entertainer, giving the audience the opportunity to see and experience his faults and achievements.

Boxing is considered the oldest contact sport dating back to 3000 B.C. Archeological evidence has been found that boxing was a popular sport among Egyptians, Berbers, Sumerians, Greek, and other Mediterranean civilizations. Due to boxing's popularity, it was officially accepted as an Olympic sport in 688 B.C. Boxing was also considered a sport of sheer brutality and entertainment in which gladiators, criminals, and slaves would fight to the death in order to prove their innocence or to win their freedom (D'Silva). Because of it's sheer brutality, boxing was banned three times by Julius Caesar, Theodosius and Theodoric the Great. The sport of boxing virtually disappeared from the public eye only to re-emerge and gain massive popularity in 1681 (D'Silva).

The fight itself was beautifully orchestrated by Ali through the study of Foreman's technique, movement, strength, and weaknesses. While preparing for the fight, Ali focused training on his weaknesses, and on Foreman's strengths as a fighter. Ali also took advantage of the public's support and encouragement and used it to build up his esteem, mentally and amongst the African peoples. Foreman, on the other hand, stayed out of the public eye and was reluctant to take part of the cheering for or against his opponent. Foreman was rather laconic during his stay, saying little and staying out of the spotlight. Ali took advantage of the publicity that the fight was receiving and was constantly in front of the camera, whether he was boasting his great skill, advocating his political views, or trying to psych Foreman out. Ali boasts include his great ability to be able to manipulate Foreman's actions stating, "He's a bull, I'm a matador." As the fight would prove, Ali would not be far from the truth. After the initial rounds in which Ali took the opportunity to assess Foreman's technique, Ali realized that his strength alone could not defeat Foreman and it was his will and determination that kept him from giving up. George Plimpton comments that it was during the fight that he saw fear in Ali's eyes, for the one and only time. Ali realizing that Foreman's strength outweighed his own, decided to adjust his fight strategy and wear Foreman out with what is now infamously known as "rope-a-dope." Once Foreman had punched himself out, Ali pounced at the opportunity to knock Foreman out. The devastating and sudden loss caused Foreman to fall into a deep depression that prevented him from fighting for the following two years; Ali continued to fight after defeating Foreman and fought in 22 bouts thereafter (Gast).