READING

Before reading – see the meaning of the following words:

Quip – an humorous and clever remark

Taunt – an upsetting remark, laughing unkindly

Read the text and fill each gap with a suitable word:

after, born, figures, first ,from, motor, religion, stripped

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali (1942-) is an American former heavyweight champion boxer and one of the greatest
sporting _____________ of the 20th century. An Olympic gold medalist and the ____________ fighter
to capture the heavyweight title three times, Ali won 56 times in his 21-year professional career.
Ali’s outspokenness on issues of race, ___________ and politics made him a controversial figure
during his career, and the heavyweight’s quips and taunts were as quick as his fists. ___________
Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name in 1964 _____________ joining the Nation of Islam. Citing
his religious beliefs, he refused military induction and was ______________ of his heavyweight
championship and banned _________ boxing for three years during the prime of his career.
Parkinson’s syndrome has severely impaired Ali’s ____________ skills and speech, but he remains
active as a humanitarian and goodwill ambassador.

From: http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/muhammad-ali