The Champ

On Friday February 24^th, Teaneck High School hosted yet another assembly for the students and staff to enjoy. The guest was famous photographer Michael Gaffney. Gaffney worked as the personal photographer by the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali. Gaffney was Ali’s photographer from 1977 to 1978.

Over the course of the year of the two working together they became really good friends, becoming close with one another’s families. Gaffney still speaks to Ali’s children to this day.

According to Gaffney, Ali was as laid back and as fun as a person gets. Even after a loss, Ali still held his composure and treated everyone respectfully.

Not only was Ali kind, he was very giving. He donated the profits of one of his fights to a polio hospital.

Muhammad Ali had a plethora of great quotes. “I am an American. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me.” “Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them; a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” These quotes helped Ali strive and become who he was, being the GOAT.