Muhammad Ali is widely considered one of the greatest American boxers of the 20th century. His boxing career spanned nearly 20 years and included an Olympic win. He was nicknamed "The Greatest" and was known for his unique fighting style. He was also known for his colorful trash talk before matches, including the use of the phrase "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
Personal Details
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Clay, Jr. in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He changed his name to Muhammad Ali when he joined the Nation of Islam in 1964. He later converted to Sunni Islam in 1975 and then to Sufism. Ali has been married four times and has nine children.
Early Career
As Cassius Clay, he began boxing in his teen years. He won several fights early in his career, including six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, two national Golden Gloves and the light heavyweight gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. He won fights against Ernie Terrell and Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams.
Later Career
Ali was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1966, but refused to go, saying that he was philosophically opposed to the war. His refusal was a felony, but the conviction was reversed a year later. In 1970, he fought and lost the "Fight of the Century" against undefeated Joe Frazier. In 1974, he reclaimed his position of glory when he defeated George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" fight that took place in Zaire.
Legacy and Present
Ali had a major impact on the sport of boxing. He lost only five fights during his entire boxing career. "Sports Illustrated" named Ali the "Sportsman of the Century" in 1999. The BBC also called him the "Sports Personality of the Century." He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, but continues to be an active sports celebrity in retirement.
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