Born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali, the Olympic gold medalist and former heavyweight champion boxer, was a highly recognizable figure in the world of sports.
Originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., he often referred to himself as “The Greatest,” a title supported by his impressive record in the ring.
Eighty-five pound Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., is shown posing at twelve, prior to his amateur ring debut in 1954, a three minute, three round split decision over another novice named Ronnie O’Keefe, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo)
Boxer Cassius Clay lifts Ringo Starr, one of the Beatles into the air while the singers visited Clay’s camp in Miami Beach, Fla. , February 18, 1964. Others are, from left: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and John Lennon. (AP Photo)
Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over fallen challenger Sonny Liston, shouting and gesturing shortly after dropping Liston with a short hard right to the jaw on May 25, 1965, in Lewiston, Maine. The bout lasted only one minute into the first round. Ali is the only man ever to win the world heavyweight boxing championship three times. He also won a gold medal in the light-heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympic Games in Rome as a member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team. In 1964 he dropped the name Cassius Clay and adopted the Muslim name Muhammad Ali. (AP Photo/John Rooney)
Beyond his achievements in boxing, he boldly expressed his beliefs through actions such as changing his name from Cassius Clay and taking strong political and social stances.
Muhammad Ali, who battled Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years, passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74.
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