Contents
Muhammad Ali
Becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion.
Rome gold medal · Rumble in the Jungle
- Born
- 17 January 1942
- Birthplace
- Louisville, USA
- Died
- 3 June 2016
More people
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was an American boxer whose speed, verbal confidence and political convictions made him a public figure far beyond sport. Born Cassius Clay, he became Muhammad Ali after joining the Nation of Islam.
Early life
Segregated Louisville
Grew up in Kentucky and began boxing after reporting a stolen bicycle.
Amateur competition
Trained as a teenager and built an amateur record before the Rome Olympics.
Career
- 1960
Olympian to professional
Won Olympic light-heavyweight gold and turned professional.
- 1964
World champion
Defeated Sonny Liston to take the heavyweight title.
- 1967–1970
Enforced absence
Lost his boxing licences and title after refusing military induction.
- 1974–1978
Championship returns
Regained the heavyweight crown against George Foreman, then won it for a third time against Leon Spinks.
Achievements
Rome gold medal
Won the Olympic light-heavyweight tournament.
Rumble in the Jungle
Defeated George Foreman in Kinshasa.
Thrilla in Manila
Won the third bout of his rivalry with Joe Frazier.
Beyond boxing
Conscientious objection
Opposed the Vietnam War; the US Supreme Court overturned his draft-evasion conviction in 1971.
Humanitarian work
Later undertook charitable and diplomatic work, including serving as a UN Messenger of Peace.
Sources & photo credit
Life and career ↗Institutional or specialist reference ↗Photo: Ira Rosenberg. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
