Muhammad Ali

JoeEMartinCassiusClay1960

Zbigniew Pietrzykowski and Muhammad Ali 1960

1961 Cassius Clay vs. Donnie Fleeman On-Site Poster

Muhammad Ali 1966

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Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. Nicknamed "The Greatest," he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century and as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Early Life

Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay. His father was a sign painter and his mother was a domestic helper. He discovered his talent for boxing at the age of 12 after his bicycle was stolen and he vowed to a police officer, who was also a boxing coach, that he would "whup" whoever stole it. The officer encouraged him to learn how to box, and thus began his illustrious career.

Boxing Career

Ali's amateur career was marked by success, culminating in a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He turned professional later that year and quickly made a name for himself with his unorthodox fighting style, immense speed, and verbal wit.

In 1964, Ali became the world heavyweight champion after defeating Sonny Liston in a major upset. Shortly after, he announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay, which he called his "slave name," to Muhammad Ali. His refusal to be drafted into the US military during the Vietnam War due to his religious beliefs and ethical opposition to the war led to his arrest, the stripping of his boxing titles, and a four-year ban from boxing.

Ali returned to the ring in 1970 with a victory over Jerry Quarry. His comeback was highlighted by fights that remain famous to this day, including the "Fight of the Century" against Joe Frazier in 1971, the "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman in 1974, and the "Thrilla in Manila" against Frazier in 1975.

Activism

Beyond the ring, Ali was known for his charismatic personality, sharp wit, and vocal advocacy for civil rights and social justice. He was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and a vocal critic of racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Ali's conversion to Islam and his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War made him a symbol of resistance and a hero to many people around the world.

Later Life and Legacy

Ali retired from boxing in 1981 and devoted much of his time to philanthropy, focusing on racial equality, hunger, and poverty. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome in 1984, a disease that is commonly associated with head trauma from activities such as boxing. Despite his illness, Ali remained active in public life, advocating for peace and humanitarian causes until his death in 2016.

Muhammad Ali's legacy is not only that of a champion boxer but also of a champion for social change. His contributions to sport, society, and the world have left an indelible mark on history.