Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He is also one of the most recognizable sports figures of the 20th century, and is often referred to as “The Greatest” or simply “The Champ”. Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942. He later changed his name to Muhammad Ali after becoming a Muslim in 1964.
Ali began his boxing career as an amateur, winning the 1960 Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight division. He then turned professional and quickly rose to prominence, becoming world heavyweight champion in 1964. He defended his title successfully multiple times over the next decade, but his career was interrupted in 1967 when he was convicted of draft evasion and sentenced to five years in prison. Ali was released from prison in 1971, and returned to professional boxing. He regained the world heavyweight title in 1974 and went on to win multiple fights before retiring in 1981.
Throughout his career, Ali was known for his bold and outspoken style. He was an advocate for civil rights, religious tolerance, and racial equality. He also engaged in philanthropic endeavors and was an advocate for global peace. After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, Ali died in 2016 at the age of 74.
Early Life
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the first son of Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay. His father was a sign and mural painter, and his mother was a housemaid. Ali also had an older brother, Rudolph “Rudy”, who died in 1989.
Ali attended Louisville Central High School, where he took up boxing. It was here that he first met his lifelong friend and trainer, Angelo Dundee. Ali began competing in amateur boxing tournaments, winning the Golden Gloves championship in 1959 and 1960. He then went on to win the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.
Rise to Fame
After the Olympics, Ali turned professional, signing with the Louisville Sponsoring Group. He quickly rose to fame, becoming world heavyweight champion in 1964 after defeating Sonny Liston. He successfully defended his title multiple times over the next decade, defeating numerous opponents including Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton.
Ali was known for his bold and outspoken style. He often spoke out against racism and social injustice, and was a vocal advocate for civil rights and racial equality. After joining the Nation of Islam in 1964, Ali changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali.
In 1967, Ali was convicted of draft evasion and sentenced to five years in prison. He was released on appeal in 1971, and returned to professional boxing. He regained the world heavyweight title in 1974 and went on to win multiple fights before retiring in 1981.
Later Life and Legacy
In the later years of his life, Ali focused on philanthropic endeavors. He founded the Muhammad Ali Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace and respect among people of all cultures and religions. He also traveled the world as an unofficial ambassador, advocating for global peace and understanding.
After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, Ali died on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74. He was widely praised for his accomplishments both inside and outside of the ring. He has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.