I disagree with you on so many levels, but I respect your opinion.
He was firm in his devotion to Islam, but did not push it in your face. He was kind to his enemies outside the ring, and ferocious inside the ring. I never saw him to be an awful man, rather a funny, and caring father, a devoted friend, and a caring mentor to aspiring boxers.
He was audacious when it furthered his career, but a devoted friend to all.
A true ambassador. I often wished that this Affliction had not befell him, but he carried it with grace. Perhaps in defeat he showed how truly great he was.
The reason Ali acted in such a manner was his meeting with the wrestler, Gorgeous George. Gorgeous George explained to then Cassius Clay that he acted as such a jerk as a wrestler because people paid big money to have the stuffing beat out of him. And then Cassius Clay saw Gorgeous George fight; e.g., throwing bobby pins all over the place; taling about his beautiful hair, and people were saying "smash gorgeous George's face in; etc. Mohammed Ali aka Cassius Clay saw all that and thought it was a good idea and would make lots of money. And it did. People flooded the seats of the boxing match to see Sonny Liston; etal, smash Mohammed Ali aka Cassius Clay's face in -- even though we know both times the outcome was different.>/p>