columbia gym

The Columbia Gym in Louisville, Kentucky, was a crucial place in Muhammad Ali’s early boxing journey. It was at this gym, located in the basement of the Columbia Auditorium, where 12-year-old Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) first stepped into a boxing ring.

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Joe Martin was the man who persuaded the young Cassius Clay to overcome his fear of flying to compete in the 1960 Rome Olympics. The champ later rewarded him with his first color TV. Jole Burghy’s hope is that her family continues to be linked to Ali.