Pop Culture
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In 1941, the Louisville Service Club opened in the former Knights of Columbus and Columbia Auditorium building, providing weekend housing and entertainment for servicemen in the city before U.S. entry into World War II. The Columbia Gym, located in the basement and operated by the city parks department, provided recreation for youth. There, a young Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay, told Louisville Police Officer Joe Martin he was going to “whup” whoever stole his bike, and Martin became Ali’s first trainer. Martin introduced Ali to regional audiences through the local boxing show, “Tomorrow’s Champions,” and encouraged him to compete in the 1960 Rome Olympics.
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Louisville, Kentucky · United States
