Muhammad Ali

Date of Birth: January 17, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: June 3, 2016

Biography

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was an iconic American professional boxer and cultural figure. He was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for his prowess in the ring, Ali won the world heavyweight championship three times and an Olympic gold medal. His boxing style combined speed, agility, and power, making him one of the most formidable athletes of his time. Ali began boxing at the age of 12, and his amateur career culminated in winning a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. In 1964, he shocked the world by defeating Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion at the age of 22. Shortly after, he converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. Ali’s career was marked by his outspoken nature and his opposition to the Vietnam War, which led to a controversial suspension and stripping of his boxing titles. He returned to the ring in 1971 and participated in some of the most famous boxing matches in history, including bouts against Joe Frazier and George Foreman. His “Rumble in the Jungle” victory over Foreman in 1974 is considered one of the greatest sporting events of the 20th century. Ali retired from boxing in 1981 with a record of 56 wins, 5 losses, and 37 knockouts. Beyond his athletic achievements, Ali was known for his humanitarian efforts and his work in promoting civil rights and global peace. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, which he bravely battled for the rest of his life. Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

5 Interesting Facts about Muhammad Ali

1. Muhammad Ali was originally named after his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., who was named after a 19th-century abolitionist.

2. Ali won the gold medal in light heavyweight boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

3. He was known for his rhyming trash talk and coined the famous phrase, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

4. Despite his boxing success, Ali was stripped of his titles and banned from boxing for three years due to his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War.

5. Ali was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Muhammad Ali

1. “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.”

2. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

3. “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

4. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

5. “Don’t count the days; make the days count.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Muhammad Ali’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million.

Children

Muhammad Ali had nine children. His children include daughters Maryum “May May” Ali, Jamillah Ali, Rasheda Ali, Hana Ali, and Laila Ali, who is also a retired professional boxer. His sons are Muhammad Ali Jr., Asaad Amin, and Khaliah Ali.