Muhammad Ali Bio

Muhammad Ali Biography

Full Name: Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.

Date of Birth: January 17, 1942

Place of Birth: Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Date of Death: June 3, 2016

Early Life

Muhammad Ali was born into a middle-class family and began boxing at the age of 12 after his bicycle was stolen. He trained at the Columbia Gym in Louisville, where he was introduced to the sport by a local policeman named Joe Martin. Ali showed great promise and quickly became a talented amateur boxer.

Amateur Career

Ali had an impressive amateur career, winning the National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) title and the gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He finished his amateur career with a record of 100 wins and 5 losses.

Professional Career

Ali turned professional on October 29, 1960, defeating Tunney Hunsaker. He quickly became a household name with his flashy style and trash-talking personality. On February 25, 1964, he won the heavyweight title by defeating Sonny Liston, proclaiming himself "The Greatest."

Political Activism and Name Change

In 1964, shortly after becoming champion, Ali converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. He became an outspoken advocate for civil rights and refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the conflict. As a result, he was stripped of his boxing titles and banned from the sport for several years.

Return to Boxing

Ali's boxing license was reinstated in 1970, and he quickly returned to the ring. He had memorable bouts against Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton. The "Fight of the Century" against Frazier in 1971 was particularly historic, as Ali suffered his first professional defeat.

Legacy

Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time and a global icon. He was known not just for his prowess in the ring but also for his charisma, humanitarian efforts, and dedication to social justice. Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, but his legacy continues to inspire generations around the world.

Muhammad Ali Fight Record

Date	Opponent	Result	Type
October 29, 1960	Tunney Hunsaker	Win	Decision (6)
February 25, 1964	Sonny Liston	Win	TKO (6)
March 8, 1971	Joe Frazier	Loss	Decision (15)
January 28, 1974	Joe Frazier	Win	Decision (12)
October 30, 1974	George Foreman	Win	KO (8)
February 15, 1978	Leon Spinks	Win	Decision (15)
October 2, 1980	Joe Frazier	Win	TKO (6)
December 11, 1981	Larry Holmes	Loss	TKO (10)
December 3, 1981	Trevor Berbick	Loss	TKO (10)

Summary of Results

Wins: 56

Losses: 5

Knockouts: 37 of his wins were by knockout.