Muhammad Ali Autograph

Profession:
(1942-2016) American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist

Year of Birth: 1942

Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the first boxer to win the world heavyweight championship three times. His career spanned three decades, from 1960-1981, and he won 56 of his 61 professional fights. He was known for his lightning-fast footwork, jabbing and bobbing head movements, and his outspokenness both in and out of the ring.

Ali began his boxing career at the age of 12, winning six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles and two national Golden Gloves crowns. He was then encouraged to go to the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where he won the gold medal in the light heavyweight division. He turned professional shortly thereafter, and quickly rose to the top of the heavyweight ranks.

In 1964, Ali won the world heavyweight championship by defeating Sonny Liston. He then changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. He was the most visible figure in the civil rights movement, and was an outspoken advocate for black rights and against racism. He refused to be drafted into the military on religious grounds, and was subsequently arrested and stripped of his titles. He was eventually acquitted of all charges, and returned to boxing in 1971.

Ali fought some of the most memorable fights of his career during this period, including the "Rumble in the Jungle" and the "Thrilla in Manila" with Joe Frazier. He retired in 1981, having become one of the most recognizable and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1984, and remained an active public figure, appearing at various public events and in commercials, until his death in 2016.

Ali was a humanitarian and philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to various charities throughout his life. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, and was given numerous other awards and honors throughout his life. He was an inspiration to millions, and an example of strength and courage in the face of adversity.

Muhammad Ali was one of the most influential and celebrated figures of the 20th century. He was a champion athlete, a civil rights activist, and a humanitarian. He was an inspiration to millions, and a symbol of strength, courage, and determination. He will be remembered as one of the greatest athletes, and one of the most influential people of the modern era.