LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For nearly 50 years, James Doolin has turned his love and dream into a way of life. Like so many others in Louisville, Doolin was inspired by Muhammad Ali.
What You Need To Know
- Thursday marks five years since the death of Muhammad Ali
- Boxing trainer James Doolin is reflecting on Ali's impact
- Doolin dedicated his gym to training Louisville's youth with the discipline and ideals that Ali represented
- Doolin said Ali’s journey serves as an example that hard work and drive can lead you to great success
“It means a lot. I knew Ali. Cassius Clay for a lot of years,” he said.
Walking inside Doolin’s Louisville Legends Boxing Gym, you’ll see all the history decked out on the walls with posters, tickets and newspaper clippings. It serves as a celebration of the titans of the sport like Ali as well as some of the boxers he’s trained.
Doolin credits Ali’s storied career and his electric personality to blaze the trail for future fighters.
“When boxing was getting dull and there’s no excitement, Ali brought it back to life,” said Doolin.
Doolin dedicated his gym to training Louisville’s youth with the discipline and ideals that Ali represented.
“Didn’t get into boxing for money. I never charged a kid in my life to train him. I did this because I wanted to help kids in the neighborhood,” he said.
Doolin said Ali’s journey serves as an example that hard work and drive can lead you to great success.
“Ali was the pathway to young kids being great,” said Doolin. “Ali lived his dream. I lived mine. You’re probably living yours. A dream with honesty and integrity involved."