Muhammad Ali - Black History - HISTORY.com Google Muhammad Ali’s Early Years and Amateur Career Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., the elder son of Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. (1912-1990) and Odessa Grady Clay (1917-1994), was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky . It was a red-and-white Schwinn that steered the future heavyweight champion to the sport of boxing. When his beloved bicycle was stolen, a tearful 12-year-old Clay reported the theft to Louisville police officer Joe Martin (1916-1996) and vowed to pummel the culprit. Martin, who was also a boxing trainer, suggested that the upset youngster first learn how to fight, and he took Clay under his wing. Six weeks later, Clay won his first bout in a split decision. Did You Know? Muhammad Ali has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated 38 times, second only to basketball great Michael Jordan. By age 18 Clay had captured two national Golden Gloves titles, two Amateur Athletic Union national titles and 100 victories against eight losses.

After graduating high school, he traveled to Rome and won the light heavyweight gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics. Clay won his professional boxing debut on October 29, 1960, in a six-round decision. From the start of his pro career, the 6-foot-3-inch heavyweight overwhelmed his opponents with a combination of quick, powerful jabs and foot speed, and his constant braggadocio and self-promotion earned him the nickname “Louisville Lip.” Muhammad Ali: Heavyweight Champion of the World After winning his first 19 fights, including 15 knockouts, Clay received his first title shot on February 25, 1964, against reigning heavyweight champion Sonny Liston (1932-1970). Although he arrived in Miami Beach, Florida , a 7-1 underdog, the 22-year-old Clay relentlessly taunted Liston before the fight, promising to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and predicting a knockout. When Liston failed to answer the bell at the start of the seventh round, Clay was indeed crowned heavyweight champion of the world.

In the ring after the fight, the new champ roared, “I am the greatest!” At a press conference the next morning, Clay, who had been seen around Miami with controversial Nation of Islam member Malcolm X (1925-1965), confirmed the rumors of his conversion to Islam. On March 6, 1964, Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975) bestowed on Clay the name of Muhammad Ali. Ali solidified his hold on the heavyweight championship by knocking out Liston in the first round of their rematch on May 25, 1965, and he defended his title eight more times. Then, with the Vietnam War raging, Ali showed up for his scheduled induction into the U.S. Armed Forces on April 28, 1967. Citing his religious beliefs, he refused to serve. Ali was arrested, and the New York State Athletic Commission immediately suspended his boxing license and revoked his heavyweight belt. Convicted of draft evasion, Ali was sentenced to the maximum of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, but he remained free while the conviction was appealed.

Many saw Ali as a draft dodger, and his popularity plummeted. Banned from boxing for three years, Ali spoke out against the Vietnam War on college campuses. As public attitudes turned against the war, support for Ali grew. In 1970 the New York State Supreme Court ordered his boxing license reinstated, and the following year the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction in a unanimous decision. Muhammad Ali’s Return to the Ring After 43 months in exile, Ali returned to the ring on October 26, 1970, and knocked out Jerry Quarry (1945-1999) in the third round. On March 8, 1971, Ali got his chance to regain his heavyweight crown against reigning champ Joe Frazier (1944-2011) in what was billed as the “Fight of the Century.” The undefeated Frazier floored Ali with a hard left hook in the final round. Ali got up but lost in a unanimous decision, experiencing his first defeat as a pro. Ali won his next 10 bouts before being defeated by Ken Norton (1943-).

He won the rematch six months later in a split decision and gained further revenge in a unanimous decision over Frazier in a non-title rematch. The victory gave the 32-year-old Ali a title shot against 25-year-old champion George Foreman (1949-). The October 30, 1974, fight in Kinshasa, Zaire, was dubbed the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Ali, the decided underdog, employed his “rope-a-dope” strategy, leaning on the ring ropes and absorbing a barrage of blows from Foreman while waiting for his opponent to tire. The strategy worked, and Ali won in an eighth-round knockout to regain the title stripped from him seven years prior. Ali successfully defended his title in 10 fights, including the memorable “Thrilla in Manila” on October 1, 1975, in which his bitter rival Frazier, his eyes swollen shut, was unable to answer the bell for the final round. Ali also defeated Norton in their third meeting in a unanimous 15-round decision.

On February 15, 1978, an aging Ali lost his title to Leon Spinks (1953-) in a 15-round split decision. Seven months later, Ali defeated Spinks in a unanimous 15-round decision to reclaim the heavyweight crown and become the first fighter to win the world heavyweight boxing title three times. After announcing his retirement in 1979, Ali launched a brief, unsuccessful comeback. However, he was overwhelmed in a technical knockout loss to Larry Holmes (1949-) in 1980, and he dropped a unanimous 10-round decision to Trevor Berbick (1954-2006) on December 11, 1981. After the fight, the 39-year-old Ali retired for good with a career record of 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts. Muhammad Ali’s Later Years and Legacy In 1984 Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome, possibly connected to the severe head trauma suffered during his boxing career. The former champion’s motor skills slowly declined, and his movement and speech were limited.

In spite of the Parkinson’s, Ali remained in the public spotlight, traveling the world to make humanitarian, goodwill and charitable appearances. He met with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (1937-2006) in 1990 to negotiate the release of American hostages, and in 2002 he traveled to Afghanistan as a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Ali had the honor of lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. In 1999 Ali was voted the BBC’s “Sporting Personality of the Century,” and Sports Illustrated named him “Sportsman of the Century.” Ali was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a 2005 White House ceremony, and in the same year the $60 million Muhammad Ali Center, a nonprofit museum and cultural center focusing on peace and social responsibility, opened in Louisville. Ring Magazine named Ali “Fighter of the Year” five times, more than any other boxer, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Ali has been married four times and has seven daughters and two sons. He married his fourth wife, Yolanda, in 1986.

Ali died at the age of 74 on June 3, 2016. Tags Muhammad Ali Biography -Biography Online About Muhammad Ali Biography “I’m not the greatest; I’m the double greatest. Not only do I knock ’em out, I pick the round. “ – Muhammad Ali Short Biography Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. January 17, 1942 – 3 June, 2016) was an Olympic and World Champion boxer, who also had a unique personality, based on self-belief and strong religious and political convictions. In 1999, Ali was crowned “Sportsman of the Century” by Sports Illustrated. He won the World Heavyweight Boxing championship three times, and won the North American Boxing Federation championship as well as an Olympic gold medal. Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He was named after his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr., (who was named for the 19th century abolitionist and politician Cassius Clay). Ali later changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam and subsequently converted to Sunni Islam in 1975.

Early boxing career Standing at 6’3″ (1.91 m), Ali had a highly unorthodox style for a heavyweight boxer. Rather than the normal boxing style of carrying the hands high to defend the face, he instead relied on his ability to avoid a punch. In Louisville, October 29, 1960, Cassius Clay won his first professional fight. He won a six-round decision over Tunney Hunsaker, who was the police chief of Fayetteville, West Virginia. From 1960 to 1963, the young fighter amassed a record of 19-0, with 15 knockouts. He defeated such boxers as Tony Esperti, Jim Robinson, Donnie Fleeman, Alonzo Johnson, George Logan, Willi Besmanoff, Lamar Clark (who had won his previous 40 bouts by knockout), Doug Jones, and Henry Cooper. Among Clay’s victories were versus Sonny Banks (who knocked him down during the bout), Alejandro Lavorante, and the aged Archie Moore (a boxing legend who had fought over 200 previous fights, and who had been Clay’s trainer prior to Angelo Dundee).

Clay won a disputed 10 round decision over Doug Jones, who, despite being lighter than Clay, staggered Clay as soon as the fight started with a right hand, and beat Clay to the punch continually during the fight. The fight was named “Fight of the Year” for 1963. Clay’s next fight was against Henry Cooper, who knocked Clay down with a left hook near the end of the fourth round. The fight was stopped in the 5th round due to a deep cut on Cooper’s face. Despite these close calls against Doug Jones and Henry Cooper, he became the top contender for Sonny Liston’s title. In spite of Clay’s impressive record, he was not expected to beat the champ. The fight was to be held on February 25, 1964 in Miami, Florida.

During the weigh-in on the previous day, the ever-bashful Ali—who frequently taunted Liston during the buildup by dubbing him “the big ugly bear”, among other things—declared that he would “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” and, in summarizing his strategy for avoiding Liston’s assaults, said, “Your hands can’t hit what your eyes can’t see.” Vietnam puts a pause in Ali’s career In 1964, Ali failed the Armed Forces qualifying test because his writing and spelling skills were subpar. However, in early 1966, the tests were revised and Ali was reclassified 1A. He refused to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector, because “War is against the teachings of the Holy Koran. I’m not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger.

We don’t take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers.” Ali also famously said, “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong” and “no Vietcong ever called me nigger.” Ali refused to respond to his name being read out as Cassius Clay, stating, as instructed by his mentors from the Nation of Islam, that Clay was the name given to his slave ancestors by the white man. “Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn’t choose it and I don’t want it. I am Muhammad Ali, a free name – it means beloved of God – and I insist people use it when people speak to me and of me. “ By refusing to respond to this name, Ali’s personal life was filled with controversy. Ali was essentially banned from fighting in the United States and forced to accept bouts abroad for most of 1966. From his rematch with Liston in May 1965, to his final defense against Zora Folley in March 1967, he defended his title nine times. Few other heavyweight champions in history have fought so much in such a short period.

Ali was scheduled to fight WBA champion Ernie Terrell in a unification bout in Toronto on March 29, 1966, but Terrell backed out and Ali won a 15-round decision against substitute opponent George Chuvalo. He then went to England and defeated Henry Cooper and Brian London by stoppage on cuts. Ali’s next defense was against German southpaw Karl Mildenberger, the first German to fight for the title since Max Schmeling. In one of the tougher fights of his life, Ali stopped his opponent in round 12. Ali returned to the United States in November 1966 to fight Cleveland “Big Cat” Williams in the Houston Astrodome. A year and a half before the fight, Williams had been shot in the stomach at point-blank range by a Texas policeman. As a result, Williams went into the fight missing one kidney, 10 feet of his small intestine, and with a shrivelled left leg from nerve damage from the bullet. Ali beat Williams in three rounds. On February 6, 1967, Ali returned to a Houston boxing ring to fight Terrell in what became one of the uglier fights in boxing.

Terrell had angered Ali by calling him Clay, and the champion vowed to punish him for this insult. During the fight, Ali kept shouting at his opponent, “What’s my name, Uncle Tom … What’s my name.” Terrell suffered 15 rounds of brutal punishment, losing 13 of 15 rounds on two judges’ scorecards, but Ali did not knock him out. Analysts, including several who spoke to ESPN on the sports channel’s “Ali Rap” special, speculated that the fight only continued because Ali chose not to end it, choosing instead to further punish Terrell. After the fight, Tex Maule wrote, “It was a wonderful demonstration of boxing skill and a barbarous display of cruelty.” Ali’s actions in refusing military service and aligning himself with the Nation of Islam made him a lightning rod for controversy, turning the outspoken but popular former champion into one of that era’s most recognizable and controversial figures. Appearing at rallies with Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad and declaring his allegiance to him at a time when mainstream America viewed them with suspicion — if not outright hostility — made Ali a target of outrage, and suspicion as well.

Ali seemed at times to even provoke such reactions, with viewpoints that wavered from support for civil rights to outright support of separatism. Near the end of 1967, Ali was stripped of his title by the professional boxing commission and would not be allowed to fight professionally for more than three years. He was also convicted for refusing induction into the army and sentenced to five years in prison. Over the course of those years in exile, Ali fought to appeal his conviction. He stayed in the public spotlight and supported himself by giving speeches primarily at rallies on college campuses that opposed the Vietnam War. “Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs? “ – Muhammad Ali – explaining why he refused to fight in Vietnam In 1970, Ali was allowed to fight again, and in late 1971 the Supreme Court reversed his conviction. Muhammad Ali’s comeback In 1970, Ali was finally able to get a boxing license.

With the help of a State Senator, he was granted a license to box in Georgia because it was the only state in America without a boxing commission. In October 1970, he returned to stop Jerry Quarry on a cut after three rounds. Shortly after the Quarry fight, the New York State Supreme Court ruled that Ali was unjustly denied a boxing license. Once again able to fight in New York, he fought Oscar Bonavena at Madison Square Garden in December 1970. After a tough 14 rounds, Ali stopped Bonavena in the 15th, paving the way for a title fight against Joe Frazier. The Fight of the Century Ali and Frazier fought each other on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden. The fight, known as ‘”The Fight of the Century”, was one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts of all time and remains one of the most famous. It featured two skilled, undefeated fighters, both of whom had reasonable claims to the heavyweight crown. The fight lived up to the hype, and Frazier punctuated his victory by flooring Ali with a hard left hook in the 15th and final round and won on points.

Frank Sinatra — unable to acquire a ringside seat — took photos of the match for Life Magazine. Legendary boxing announcer Don Dunphy and actor and boxing aficionado Burt Lancaster called the action for the broadcast, which reached millions of people. Frazier eventually won the fight and retained the title with a unanimous decision, dealing Ali his first professional loss. Despite an impressive performance, Ali may have still been suffering from the effects of “ring rust” due to his long layoff. In 1973, after a string of victories over top Heavyweight opposition in a campaign to force a rematch with Frazier, Ali split two bouts with Ken Norton (in the bout that Ali lost to Norton, Ali suffered a broken jaw). Rumble in the Jungle In 1974, Ali gained a match with champion George Foreman. The fight took place in Zaire (the Congo) – Ali wanted the fight to be there to help give an economic boost to this part of Africa. The pre-match hype was as great as ever.

“Floats like a butterfly, sting like a bee, his hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.” – Muhammad Ali – before the 1974 fight against George Foreman Against the odds, Ali won the rematch in the eighth round. Ali had adopted a strategy of wearing Foreman down though absorbing punches on the ropes – a strategy later termed – rope a dope. This gave Ali another chance at the world title against Frazer It will be a killer, and a chiller, and a thriller, when I get the gorilla in Manila.” – Ali before Frazer fight. The fight lasted 14 rounds, with Ali finally proving victorious in the testing African heat. Muhammad Ali in retirement Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the early 1980s, following which his motor functions began a slow decline. Although Ali’s doctors disagreed during the 1980s and 1990s about whether his symptoms were caused by boxing and whether or not his condition was degenerative, he was ultimately diagnosed with Pugilistic Parkinson’s syndrome. By late 2005 it was reported that Ali’s condition was notably worsening.

According to the documentary When We Were Kings, when Ali was asked about whether he has any regrets about boxing due to his disability, he responded that if he didn’t box he would still be a painter in Louisville, Kentucky. Speaking of his own Parkinson’s disease, Ali remarks how it has helped him to look at life in a different perspective. “Maybe my Parkinson’s is God’s way of reminding me what is important. It slowed me down and caused me to listen rather than talk. Actually, people pay more attention to me now because I don’t talk as much.” “I always liked to chase the girls. Parkinson’s stops all that. Now I might have a chance to go to heaven.” Muhammad Ali, BBC Despite the disability, he remained a beloved and active public figure. Recently he was voted into Forbes Celebrity 100 coming in at number 13 behind Donald Trump. In 1985, he served as a guest referee at the inaugural WrestleMania event. In 1987 he was selected by the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in various high profile activities.

Ali rode on a float at the 1988 Tournament of Roses Parade, launching the U.S. Constitution’s 200th birthday commemoration. He also published an oral history, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times with Thomas Hauser, in 1991. Ali received a Spirit of America Award calling him the most recognized American in the world. In 1996, he had the honour of lighting the flame at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He has appeared at the 1998 AFL Grand Final, where Anthony Pratt recruited him to watch the game. He also greets runners at the start line of the Los Angeles Marathon every year. In 1999, Ali received a special one-off award from the BBC at its annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award ceremony, which was the BBC Sports Personality of the Century Award. His daughter Laila Ali also became a boxer in 1999, despite her father’s earlier comments against female boxing in 1978: “Women are not made to be hit in the breast, and face like that… the body’s not made to be punched right here [patting his chest].

Get hit in the breast… hard… and all that.” On September 13, 1999, Ali was named “Kentucky Athlete of the Century” by the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Galt House East. In 2001, a biographical film, entitled Ali, was made, with Will Smith starring as Ali. The film received mixed reviews, with the positives generally attributed to the acting, as Smith and supporting actor Jon Voight earned Academy Award nominations. Prior to making the Ali movie, Will Smith had continually rejected the role of Ali until Muhammad Ali personally requested that he accept the role. According to Smith, the first thing Ali said about the subject to Smith was: “You ain’t pretty enough to play me”. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony on November 9, 2005, and the prestigious “Otto Hahn peace medal in Gold” of the United Nations Association of Germany (DGVN) in Berlin for his work with the US civil rights movement and the United Nations (December 17 2005).

On November 19, 2005 (Ali’s 19th wedding anniversary), the $60 million non-profit Muhammad Ali Center opened in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to displaying his boxing memorabilia, the centre focuses on core themes of peace, social responsibility, respect, and personal growth. According to the Muhammad Ali Center website in 2012, “Since he retired from boxing, Ali has devoted himself to humanitarian endeavours around the globe. He is a devout Sunni Muslim, and travels the world over, lending his name and presence to hunger and poverty relief, supporting education efforts of all kinds, promoting adoption and encouraging people to respect and better understand one another. It is estimated that he has helped to provide more than 22 million meals to feed the hungry. Ali travels, on average, more than 200 days per year.” Muhammad Ali died on 3 June 2016, from a respiratory illness, a condition that was complicated by Parkinson’s disease.

“Will they ever have another fighter who writes poems, predicts rounds, beats everybody, makes people laugh, makes people cry and is as tall and extra pretty as me?” – Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali - The short story - YouTube Muhammad Ali - The short story Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Jun 4, 2016 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali (/ɑːˈliː/;[4] born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, generally regarded as the most significant heavyweight in the history of the sport. Early in his career, Ali was known for being an inspiring, controversial and polarizing figure both inside and outside the boxing ring.

He is one of the most recognized sports figures of the past 100 years, crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated and "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC. He also wrote several best-selling books about his career, including The Greatest: My Own Story and The Soul of a Butterfly. Ali, originally known as Cassius Clay, began training at 12 years old. At the age of 22, he won the world heavyweight championship from Sonny Liston in a stunning upset in 1964. Shortly after that, Ali joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name. He converted to Sunni Islam in 1975, and then to Sufism in 2005. In 1967, three years after winning the heavyweight title, Ali refused to be conscripted into the U.S. military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to American involvement in the Vietnam War. He was eventually arrested and found guilty on draft evasion charges and stripped of his boxing title. He did not fight again for nearly four years—losing a time of peak performance in an athlete's career.

Ali's appeal worked its way up to the Supreme Court of the United States where, in 1971, his conviction was overturned. Ali's actions as a conscientious objector to the war made him an icon for the larger counterculture generation. Ali remains the only three-time lineal world heavyweight champion; he won the title in 1964, 1974, and 1978. Between February 25, 1964 and September 19, 1964 Ali reigned as the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he was involved in several historic boxing matches. Notable among these were the first Liston fight, three with rival Joe Frazier, and "The Rumble in the Jungle" with George Foreman, in which he regained titles he had been stripped of seven years earlier. At a time when most fighters let their managers do the talking, Ali, inspired by professional wrestler "Gorgeous" George Wagner, thrived in—and indeed craved—the spotlight, where he was often provocative and outlandish. He controlled most press conferences and interviews, and spoke freely about issues unrelated to boxing.

Ali transformed the role and image of the African American athlete in America by his embrace of racial pride and his willingness to antagonize the white establishment in doing so. In the words of writer Joyce Carol Oates, he was one of the few athletes in any sport to "define the terms of his public reputation". Source: Biography for Kids: Muhammad Ali Biography: Where was Muhammad Ali born? Muhammad Ali's birth name was Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. His father, Cassius Clay, Sr., worked as a sign painter and his mother, Odessa, worked as a maid. Young Cassius had a younger brother named Rudy. The Clays weren't rich, but they weren't poor either. During the time Cassius grew up, southern states like Kentucky were segregated by race. This meant that there were different facilities such as schools, restaurants, swimming pools, and restrooms for black people and white people. Laws called Jim Crow Laws enforced this separation and made life difficult on African Americans like Cassius. Becoming a Boxer When Cassius was twelve years old, someone stole his bike. He was very angry.

He told a police officer that he was going to beat up the person who stole it. It turned out that the officer, Joe Martin, was a boxing coach. Joe told Cassius that he better learn how to fight before he tried beating anyone up. Cassius took Joe up on his offer and was soon learning how to box. Cassius discovered that he had a real talent for boxing. He was much faster than other fighters his size. He could throw a quick punch and then dodge out of the way before the other fighter could react. He fought 105 fights as an amateur fighter, winning 100 and only losing 5. He also won several Gold Glove championships and was soon considered one of the best amateur light-heavyweight boxers in the world. The Olympics In 1960, Cassius traveled to Rome, Italy to participate in the Olympics. He defeated all his opponents to win the Gold Medal. Upon returning home, Cassius was an American hero. He decided to turn to professional boxing. What was Muhammad Ali's boxing style? Unlike many heavyweight boxers, Ali's boxing style was based more on quickness and skill than power. He looked to avoid or deflect blows rather than absorb them.

Ali used an orthodox stance when fighting, but he would sometimes keep his hands down, tempting his opponent to take a wild punch. Ali would then counter attack. He also liked to "stick and move", meaning he would throw a quick punch and then dance away before his opponent could counter. He was an incredible athlete and only his superior speed and stamina allowed him to do this for 15 rounds. Becoming Champion Upon becoming a professional boxer, Ali had great success. He won several fights in a row, defeating most of his opponents by knockout. In 1964, he got his chance to fight for the title. He defeated Sonny Liston by knockout when Liston refused to come out and fight in the seventh round. Muhammad Ali was now the heavyweight champion of the world. Trash Talk and Rhyming Ali was also famous for his trash talk. He would come up with rhymes and sayings designed to cut down his opponent and pump himself up. He would talk trash before and during the fight.

He would talk about how "ugly" or "dumb" his opponent was and often referred to himself as "the greatest." Perhaps his most famous saying was "I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee." Changing His Name and Losing His Title In 1964, Ali converted to the religion of Islam. He first changed his name from Cassius Clay to Cassius X, but later changed it to Muhammad Ali. A few years later he was drafted into the army. He said he didn't want to join the army because of his religion. Because he refused to join the army, the boxing association didn't allow him to fight for three years starting in 1967. Comeback Ali made his comeback to boxing in 1970. It was in the early 1970s that Ali fought some of his most famous fights. Three of Ali's most famous fights include: Fight of the Century - The "Fight of the Century" took place on March 8, 1971 in New York City between Ali (31-0) and Joe Frazier (26-0). This fight went all 15 rounds with Ali losing to Frazier by decision.

It was Ali's first loss as a professional. Rumble in the Jungle - The "Rumble in the Jungle" took place on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire between Ali (44-2) and George Foreman (40-0). Ali knocked out Foreman in the eighth round to regain the title of Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. Thrilla in Manila - The "Thrilla in Manila" took place on October 1, 1975 in Quezon City, Philippines between Ali (48-2) and Joe Frazer (32-2). Ali won by TKO after the 14th round when the referee stopped the fight. Retirement Muhammad Ali retired from boxing in 1981 after losing a bout to Trevor Berbick. He spent much of his time after boxing working for charities. He also suffered from Parkinson's disease starting in 1984. Because of his work with charities and helping other people, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from President George Bush . Interesting Facts about Muhammad Ali He fought twenty-two professional heavyweight championship bouts.

He has been married four times and has nine children. His youngest daughter, Laila Ali, was an undefeated professional boxer with a record of 24-0. His trainer from 1960 to 1981 was Angelo Dundee. Dundee also worked with Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman. Actor Will Smith portrayed Muhammad Ali in the movie Ali. He once said that Sonny Liston smelled "like a bear" and that Ali was going to "donate him to a zoo." He was voted the No. 1 heavyweight of the 20th century by the Associated Press. Muhammad Ali: Life in pictures You are using an older browser version. Please use a supported version for the best MSN experience. Muhammad Ali: Life in pictures By Appex < PREVIOUS SLIDE SLIDE 1 of 24 NEXT SLIDE > Former American Boxer Muhammad Ali celebrates his 74th birthday on Jan. 17. Click through to know more about the life and achievements of the legendary heavyweight champion. © Pictures/Rex Shutterstock/Rex Images Muhammad Ali - Fighting Spirit | Uncut Version - YouTube Muhammad Ali - Fighting Spirit | Uncut Version Want to watch this again later?

Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on May 13, 2015 Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942. The former American professional boxer is widely known for his exceptional strength and personality in the world of boxing. Also regarded as the greatest heavyweight champion in the sport's history, the legendary fighter has showcased a wide set of unforgettable as well as controversial statuses during his career. He is best known for his highly unorthodox boxing style for a heavyweight, epitomized by his catchphrase “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He was crowned “Sportsman of the Century” by Sports Illustrated and “Sports Personality of the Century” by the BBC for his spectacular contribution to the sport. His journey from an immature lad to becoming one of the most recognised sports figures on Earth is terrific and will leave you in complete awe.

Click To Share The Video on Facebook : Click To Share The Video on Twitter : Click To Share The Video on Google + : Son of the 19th century abolitionist and politician Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., Muhammad Ali made his professional debut by winning a six-round decision over Tunney Hunsaker on October 29, 1960. So excellent were his performances and abilities to knock out the opponents that Ali made it to become the greatest boxer of all times defeating several other legends including Tony Esperti, Jim Robinson, Donnie Fleeman, Alonzo Johnson, George Logan, Willi Besmanoff, Lamar Clark, Doug Jones, Henry Cooper as well as his former trainer and veteran boxer Archie Moore in a 1962 match. For Sonny Liston's title, Clay had become the top contender during the late 1963. At the age of 22, Clay became the then youngest boxer to win the title from a reigning heavyweight champion. Clay's second title defense was against the former heavyweight champion who had lost twice to Liston in first-round knockouts, Floyd Patterson. Ali dubbed him a “white man's champion” along with taunts with the name “Rabbit”.

He appeared to toy with Patterson by throwing a single punch in the first round and avoiding Floyd's lunging “kangaroo punch”. By 29 March 1966, Clay and Ernie Terrell, the then WBA heavyweight champion boxer, had agreed to meet for a bout in Chicago which was later canceled due to the former's reclassification by the Louisville draft board as 1-A from 1-Y. Muhammad Ali also faced continuous criticisms during his career. He was suspended by the state of New York after his title defense against Zora Folley on March 22 as well as convicted by an all-white jury and sentenced to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for draft evasion on June 20. During his years of inactivity, there grew an opposition to the Vietnam War and Ali spoke at colleges across the nation criticizing the Vietnam War and advocated the African American pride and racial justice. By August 1970, the legend was granted the boxing license by the City of Atlanta Athletic Commission and State Senator Leroy R. Johnson allowing him to make his first return bout against Jerry Quarry and win after three rounds after Quarry was cut.

His first fight with Frazier was nicknamed the “Fight of the Century” and veteran boxing writer John Condon had called it “the greatest event I've ever worked on in my life”. Ali converted to the Nation of Islam on 1964 and by 1975 to mainstream Sunni Islam. He tied the knot with his first wife, Sonji Roi on August 14, 1964 and later with Belinda Boyd (Khalilah Ali), Veronica Porsche and Yolanda “Lonnie” Williams. He is the father of seven daughters and two sons including Laila Ali, retired undefeated American professional boxer. The fighter has earned a host of titles during his career including “The King of Trash Talk”, “Fighter of the Year”, “Kentucky Athlete of the Century” and “The Greatest” for the unbeatable performances he has given. Know more about the world around you.

Subscribe NOW:- Like Us: htttp:// Family Tree Tuesday – Muhammad Ali Geni Blog Home » Family Tree Tuesday » Family Tree Tuesday – Muhammad Ali Family Tree Tuesday – Muhammad Ali Posted July 19, 2011 by Amanda | 4 Comments Muhammad Ali Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1960, Ali won an Olympic gold medal in boxing after defeating Polish boxer Zbigniew Pietrzykowski . During his professional career, he became the first and only boxer to be named Wold Heavyweight Champion. In 2002, Ali received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry. His star is the only star not on the sidewalk, but rather on the wall of the Kodak Theatre to honor his request that it not be walked on. In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s , however, despite his disability, he still remains active today as the public figure for many charitable organizations. Ali was born to Cassius Clay, Sr ., a painter and musician, and Odessa Clay .

The couple were married in the 1930s and had two sons. Ali’s brother was born as Rudolph Valentino Clay . However, after converting to the Nation of Islam, Rudolph changed his name to Rahman Ali. Like his brother, Rahman was also a heavyweight boxer. Interestingly, Ali is descended from a mixed race lineage. His mother’s paternal grandfather was Abe Grady , a white Irishman who emigrated to the United States from Ireland soon after the U.S. Civil War. Her maternal grandfather was Thomas Morehead , a soldier who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. Muhammad Ali was married four times and had a total of seven daughters and two sons. His daughter with his third wife Veronica Porche , Laila Ali , followed in her father’s footsteps and became a professional boxer. Laila has enjoyed a successful boxing career and is perhaps one of the most recognizable female boxers today. Sports: Breaking Records, Breaking Barriers | Muhammad Ali | Smithsonian's National Museum of American History | Muhammad Ali The Greatest Muhammad Ali rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most famous men in the world. Ali's complexity matched the spirit of the tumultuous 1960s.

He was at once a boxing titan, a civil rights warrior, an anti-war protester, and a charismatic celebrity. Again and again, he proved his claim to be the "greatest." Among his 21-year career milestones are an Olympic gold medal (1960); his first heavyweight title (1964); his refusal to serve in Vietnam on religious grounds for which he was stripped of his title (1967); his vindication by the Supreme Court (1970); his recapture of the title (1974); and a third title victory (1978). Ali captured the world's imagination when he challenged undefeated champion George Foreman to a 1974 fight in Kinshasa, Zaire, dubbing it the "Rumble in the Jungle." Ali used his "rope-a-dope" routine to tire Foreman until the eighth round, and then burst into an offensive flurry to win the heavyweight championship. Ali lost the title again and reclaimed it an unprecedented third time in 1978. He retired in 1981 with an incredible 59 wins and five losses.

The charismatic Ali has appeared on television, in commercials, and in a film about his life, and he has used his worldwide fame for humanitarian efforts as well. Much more than an outstanding boxer, the media star became a symbol of courage, independence, and determination. Name: Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.) Born: Louisville, Kentucky, 1942–

Question: Muhammad Ali (who was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.) is associated with which sport?
Answer: Boxing