Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Nicknamed “the greatest“He is known for his impressive boxing skills, confidence and charisma.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Ali used his platform to fight for social justice and civil rights, making him a cultural icon and inspiration to many.
His legacy lives on and he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential sports figures ever.
File
- Full name: Muhammad Ali
- Stage name: the Greatest
- Date of birth: January 17, 1942
- Date of death: June 3, 2016 (aged 74)
- Place of birth: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: Boxer
- Height: 1.91m
- Parents: Odessa Grady Clay, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr.
- Siblings: Rahaman Ali
- Spouses: Sonji Roi, Belinda Boyd, Veronica Porche, Lonnie Williams
- Children: Nine
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $80 million
Early life and education
Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
He was the son of Odessa Grady Clay and Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. He was the eldest of two siblings, having a younger brother named Rahaman Ali.
After graduating from Louisville Central High School in 1960, Ali became a legendary figure in the boxing world.
Career
Muhammad Ali was a legendary boxer who started training at the age of 12. After winning a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics, he became a famous professional boxer.
In 1964, he defeated Sonny Liston in a surprise bout, winning the world heavyweight championship at the age of 22.
His flamboyant personality and self-proclaimed title, “The greatest,” further cemented his status as a great figure.
Ali was famous for his colorful pre-fight statements and quick wit, which contributed to his impressive personality.
Muhammad Ali was a legendary boxer who made a name for himself in and out of the ring. He successfully defended his titles several times and converted to Islam, changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali.
However, his decision to refuse military service in protest of the Vietnam War was met with public outcry and a ban from boxing. After a Supreme Court victory, Ali returned to the sport and won the heavyweight title twice.
He faced famous opponents such as Joe Frazier and George Foreman, demonstrating his exceptional physical strength and skill.
In 1981, Ali retired with an impressive record of 56 wins and 5 losses, cementing his status as one of the greatest boxers ever.
Awards and appointments
- World Heavyweight Champion (1964, 1974, 1978)
- North American Boxing Federation Heavyweight Champion (1970)
- The Ring Magazine voted Fighter of the Year (1963, 1965, 1974, 1978)
- Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year (1965, 1974, 1978)
- World Boxing Council (WBC) Boxer of the Year (1974)
- Honorary and humanitarian awards
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005) by President George W. Bush
- Sports Illustrated’s “Athlete of the Century” (1999)
- United Nations Messenger of Peace (1998)
- Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)
- National Constitution Center Medal of Freedom (2012)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Award (1970)
- Grammy nominations (1963, 1976) for his spoken word albums
- Honorary Doctorate from Texas Southern University (1979)
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1986)
- NAACP Award for Contributions to Race and Humanity (1978)
- Parkinson’s Disease Foundation Award (1995)
Social Media
- Instagram Name: @muhammadali
- Facebook Name: Muhammad Ali
Personal life
Muhammad Ali’s personal life was marked by his marriages and children. He was married four times to Sonji Roi, Belinda Boyd, Veronica Porche and Lonnie Williams, whom he married in 1986.
He had nine children from these marriages, including his most famous daughter, Laila Ali, who followed in his footsteps and became an undefeated professional boxer.
He also has two children, Miya and Khaliah, from other marriages.
Net asset value
Muhammad Ali was a highly talented retired American boxer who, at the time of his death, had a net worth of $80 million.
His wealth is mainly earned through his successful professional boxing career. He also has many endorsement deals, sponsorships and business ventures, which contribute to his huge fortune.
Despite his wealth, Ali is known for his philanthropy and generosity, using his platform and resources to give back to the community and support various causes.