Muhammad Ali was a world-renowned boxer and cultural icon who is widely considered one of the greatest sports figures of the 20th century. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali began boxing at the age of 12 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a top amateur fighter. In 1960, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Summer Olympics in Rome, and turned professional shortly thereafter.
Ali made his professional debut on October 29, 1960, and quickly established himself as a top contender, winning his first 19 fights by knockout. In 1964, at the age of 22, he won the world heavyweight title by defeating Sonny Liston in a major upset. Ali's unorthodox style, lightning-fast footwork, and brash personality made him a fan favorite and he became known as "The Greatest."
Over the course of his career, Ali faced some of the toughest opponents in boxing, including Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton. His most famous fight was the "Thrilla in Manila" against Frazier in 1975, in which both fighters gave it their all in a grueling, 15-round bout that ended in a unanimous decision for Ali.
Ali was not only known for his impressive boxing skills, but also for his social and political activism. He was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and refused to be drafted, citing his religious and moral beliefs. This resulted in a three-year ban from boxing and the loss of his title. However, Ali's stance made him a hero to many and he became a symbol of resistance and civil rights.
In addition to his boxing career, Ali was also a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He endorsed a number of products and appeared in several films and television shows. He also established the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix, Arizona, to provide care and support for people with Parkinson's disease, a condition he himself was diagnosed with in 1984.
Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74. His impact on the sport of boxing and on popular culture is immeasurable and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
