# Muhammad Ali

> American boxer (1942–2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q36107](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36107)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/muhammad-ali

## Summary

Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and died on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale due to respiratory disease [1][3][4][5][7][8][9][11][10][12][13]. He was a citizen of the United States [14] and worked as a boxer, autobiographer, activist, and author [15]. His education included attendance at Santa Monica College and Central High School .Ali practiced the Nation of Islam as his religion [16] and was married four times: to Sonji Roi from 1964 to 1966, Khalilah Ali from 1967 to 1977, Veronica Porché Ali from 1977 to 1986, and Yolanda Williams from 1986 until his death in 2016 . He received multiple honors, including the Presidential Citizens Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, the Otto Hahn Peace Medal, and the Library of Congress Living Legend award, along with two additional awards [17][18][19][20].

## Summary

Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, activist, and author born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. Widely regarded as "The Greatest," he became the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion in boxing history, known for his charisma, speed, and political activism. Ali died on June 3, 2016, leaving a legacy that transcended sports through his opposition to the Vietnam War, advocacy for civil rights, and global humanitarian efforts.

## Biography

- **Born**: January 17, 1942, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- **Died**: June 3, 2016
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Birth Name**: Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.
- **Aliases**: Cassius Clay, The Greatest, The Louisville Lip, Muhammad Ali Clay
- **Education**: Santa Monica College (public community college in Santa Monica, California, founded 1929); Central High School
- **Known for**: Professional boxing; civil rights activism; anti-war advocacy; humanitarian work
- **Employer(s)**: Columbia Records (American record label owned by Sony, founded January 15, 1889, headquarters in New York City)
- **Field(s)**: Boxing, Autobiography, Activism, Authorship
- **Height**: 191.0 cm (6 ft 3½ in)
- **Reach**: 78 inches
- **Boxing Record**: 56 wins (37 knockouts), 5 losses
- **Work Period**: 1960 to December 11, 1981

## Contributions

Muhammad Ali's contributions span multiple domains beyond athletics:

**Boxing Career**:
- Won the heavyweight championship three times (1964, 1974, 1978)
- Defeated Sonny Liston in 1964 to win his first title, famously predicting the round
- Recaptured the heavyweight crown in 1974 by defeating George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in Kinshasa, Zaire
- Became the first boxer to win the heavyweight title three times
- Famous fights include the "Thrilla in Manila" (1975) against Joe Frazier

**Music and Entertainment**:
- Released spoken word albums and poetry through Columbia Records
- Appeared in films and maintained a public profile in entertainment

**Activism and Humanitarian Work**:
- Refused military induction during the Vietnam War (1967), citing religious and ethical beliefs
- Was stripped of his boxing titles and banned from boxing for 3½ years
- Became a symbol of resistance to military aggression and racial injustice
- Engaged in diplomatic efforts, including a 1993 exhibition fight in Tehran, Iran

**Autobiography and Writing**:
- Published autobiographies documenting his life and beliefs
- Became a prolific speaker and author

**Recognition**:
- Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (joint-highest civilian award of the United States)
- Received the Presidential Citizens Medal
- Awarded the Philadelphia Liberty Medal (1988)
- Received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award (1997)
- Awarded the Otto Hahn Peace Medal (Germany)
- Named a Library of Congress Living Legend
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990)
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

## FAQs

**What was Muhammad Ali's birth name?**
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He changed his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964 after converting to Islam.

**What are Muhammad Ali's most notable boxing achievements?**
Ali was the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion in boxing history. He won the heavyweight title in 1964, 1974, and 1978. His most famous victories include the "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman in 1974 and the "Thrilla in Manila" against Joe Frazier in 1975.

**What was Muhammad Ali's role in the Vietnam War controversy?**
In 1967, Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army, citing his Muslim faith and opposition to the Vietnam War. He was stripped of his boxing titles, convicted of draft evasion, and banned from boxing for 3½ years. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately overturned his conviction in 1971.

**What awards and honors did Muhammad Ali receive?**
Ali received numerous prestigious awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Presidential Citizens Medal, Philadelphia Liberty Medal, Arthur Ashe Courage Award, Otto Hahn Peace Medal, and was named a Library of Congress Living Legend. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**What was Muhammad Ali's connection to Columbia Records?**
Ali released spoken word albums and poetry through Columbia Records, the American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, founded in 1889 and headquartered in New York City.

**Where did Muhammad Ali attend college?**
Ali attended Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California, a public community college founded in 1929.

**What was Muhammad Ali's boxing record?**
Ali had a professional boxing record of 56 wins (including 37 knockouts) and 5 losses.

**When did Muhammad Ali die and where is he buried?**
Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016. He is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

## Why They Matter

Muhammad Ali matters as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, transcending athletics to become a symbol of resistance, self-expression, and social justice. His refusal to be drafted during the Vietnam War demonstrated that athletic celebrity could be leveraged for political and ethical advocacy, influencing how athletes engaged with social issues thereafter. His charisma, wit, and poetic predictions revolutionized how sports figures presented themselves to the public, establishing the model for the modern celebrity athlete.

Beyond his athletic prowess—being the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion—Ali's humanitarian work, including diplomatic efforts such as his 1993 exhibition fight in Tehran, helped bridge cultural divides during the Cold War era. His conversion to Islam and adoption of an African name in 1964 challenged racial conventions and inspired pride among African Americans during the civil rights movement. The Presidential Medal of Freedom and numerous other honors recognize his lasting contributions to American culture and global understanding. Without Ali, the landscape of athlete activism, celebrity culture, and the intersection of sports and politics would be fundamentally different.

## Notable For

- First three-time lineal heavyweight champion in boxing history
- Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (joint-highest U.S. civilian honor)
- Recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal
- Received the Philadelphia Liberty Medal (1988)
- Awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award (1997)
- Received the Otto Hahn Peace Medal (Germany)
- Named Library of Congress Living Legend
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990)
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Winner of The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year award
- Recipient of the Sugar Ray Robinson Award
- Recipient of the Barney Nagler Award
- Associated Press Athlete of the Year
- Known as "The Greatest" and "The Louisville Lip"
- Diplomatic efforts including 1993 exhibition fight in Tehran, Iran
- Author of multiple autobiographies
- Released spoken word albums through Columbia Records

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. He was named after his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., who was a painter and sign maker. As an African American growing up in the segregated South, Ali experienced racial discrimination firsthand, which would later inform his activism and identity.

### Boxing Career Beginnings

Ali began boxing at age 12 after a police officer suggested he learn to fight following the theft of his bicycle. He trained at the Columbia Gym in Louisville and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent as an amateur boxer. Before turning professional, Ali won six Kentucky Golden Gloves championships and two national Amateur Athletic Union titles.

### Rise to Championship (1960-1970)

Ali turned professional in 1960, compiling an undefeated record in his early career. On February 25, 1964, he defeated Sonny Liston to win his first heavyweight championship in Miami Beach, Florida. Prior to the fight, Ali famously declared he would "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" and predicted he would knock out Liston in the eighth round—he was correct.

Following his victory, Ali announced he had joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, rejecting what he called his "slave name." This decision drew significant attention and controversy.

### Vietnam War and Boxing Suspension

On April 28, 1967, Ali refused to be inducted into the United States Army, citing his religious beliefs as a Muslim and his opposition to the Vietnam War. He was subsequently stripped of his boxing titles, convicted of draft evasion, and banned from boxing for 3½ years. During this suspension, he was unable to fight professionally but remained a prominent voice against the war.

The U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturned his conviction in 1971. Ali's stance made him a symbol of resistance to military aggression and racial injustice, elevating his status beyond athletics.

### Return to Boxing and Greatest Fights

Ali returned to boxing in 1970 and gradually regained his championship status. His most celebrated victories include:

- **"Rumble in the Jungle" (October 30, 1974)**: In Kinshasa, Zaire, Ali defeated George Foreman to recapture the heavyweight championship. Using his "rope-a-dope" strategy, Ali allowed Foreman to tire before scoring a knockout in the eighth round.

- **"Thrilla in Manila" (October 1, 1975)**: In Manila, Philippines, Ali defeated rival Joe Frazier in what many consider the greatest boxing match in history. The brutal battle ended when Frazier's trainer threw in the towel before the 15th round.

### Third Championship and Later Career

Ali won the heavyweight championship for the third time on February 15, 1978, defeating Leon Spinks in Las Vegas. He later lost the title to Spinks in a rematch but regained it in September 1978, making him the first three-time heavyweight champion in boxing history.

Ali retired from boxing on December 11, 1981, after losing to Trevor Berbick. His professional record stood at 56 wins (37 knockouts) and 5 losses.

### Activism and Humanitarian Work

Throughout his life, Ali was involved in various humanitarian efforts and political causes. His opposition to the Vietnam War made him an icon of the anti-war movement. He engaged in diplomatic efforts, including a 1993 exhibition fight in Tehran, Iran, helping to bridge cultural divides during a tense period in U.S.-Iran relations.

Ali also worked with various charitable organizations and was known for his philanthropy, visiting hospitals, schools, and communities around the world.

### Music and Recording Career

Ali released spoken word albums and poetry through Columbia Records, the American record label founded in 1889 and headquartered in New York City. These recordings featured Ali reciting his poetry and discussing his beliefs, showcasing his verbal artistry beyond boxing.

### Education

Ali attended Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California, a public community college founded in 1929. He also attended Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

### Awards and Honors

Muhammad Ali received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to sports, humanity, and culture:

- Presidential Medal of Freedom (joint-highest civilian award of the United States)
- Presidential Citizens Medal
- Philadelphia Liberty Medal (1988)
- Arthur Ashe Courage Award (1997)
- Otto Hahn Peace Medal (Germany)
- Library of Congress Living Legend
- International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990)
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Associated Press Athlete of the Year
- The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year
- Sugar Ray Robinson Award
- Barney Nagler Award

### Personal Life and Death

Ali married Sonji Roy in 1961; they divorced in 1966. He later married Belinda Boyd in 1967, and they had nine children together. He also had relationships with other partners, resulting in additional children.

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome in 1984, likely linked to his boxing career. He passed away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 74. He was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, his hometown.

### Legacy

Muhammad Ali's legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements. He transformed how athletes engage with political and social issues, demonstrating that celebrity could be leveraged for advocacy. His charisma, wit, and poetic predictions revolutionized sports marketing and athlete branding. As the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion, his athletic accomplishments remain unparalleled. His humanitarian work, diplomatic efforts, and advocacy for civil rights continue to inspire generations. The numerous awards and honors he received, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognize his lasting impact on American culture and global society.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/muhammad-ali-greatest-all-time-dead-74-n584776)
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