Muhammad Ali Bio
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist and one of the most celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. Known for his exceptional boxing skills, charisma, and larger-than-life personality, Ali became a global icon and is often considered the greatest boxer of all time.
Muhammad Ali Age
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, he passed away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA at the age of 74.
Muhammad Ali Height and Weight
He stood at approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall during his prime, and his weight varied throughout his career, typically ranging from 90 to 107 kg.
Muhammad Ali Family
Muhammad Ali was born to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa O’Grady Clay. He had one younger brother, Rahman Ali.
Muhammad Ali Education
Ali attended Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, but his interest in boxing led him to focus on his athletic pursuits rather than academic education.
Muhammad Ali Relationship
Ali was married multiple times during his life and had 9 children with different women.
He married his first wife, Sonji Roi, in 1964, but they divorced after a short marriage in 1966.
In 1967, he married Belinda Boyd, who later converted to Islam and changed her name to Khalilah Ali and stayed together till 1977. They had four children together; twin daughters, Rasheda Ali and Jamillah Ali, son Muhammad Ali Jr. and daughter Maryum Ali. In between this marriage, he had 2 affairs that resulted in bearing children. He gave birth to daughter Miya Ali with Patricia Harvell in 1972. His second affair was with Aaisha Fletcher and in 1974, they welcomed a daughter, Khaliah Ali-Wertheimer.
Ali married a third wife, Veronica Porsché, in 1977, and they had two daughters, Hana Ali and​ Laila Ali. They then divorced in 1986.
He then went on to marry a fourth wife, Yolanda ‘Lonnie’ Williams popularly known as Lonnie Ali from 1986 till 2016 when he passed away. They had a son together, Asaad Amin.
Muhammad Ali’s Career
Muhammad Ali began boxing at the age of 12 and quickly rose through the amateur ranks, winning a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. He turned professional later that year and embarked on a legendary boxing career.
Ali’s boxing style was characterized by his lightning-fast footwork, quick jabs, and ability to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He won the world heavyweight championship multiple times and was involved in several historic and iconic bouts, including the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier, the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman, and the “Thrilla in Manila” against Frazier.
Outside the ring, Ali was known for his activism and outspoken views on civil rights, social justice, and opposition to the Vietnam War. He famously refused to be drafted into the military and was stripped of his boxing titles during the prime of his career.
Muhammad Ali Awards and Achievements
Ali received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including:
- Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (1974)
- Arthur Ashe Courage Award (1997)
- BBC Sports Personality of the Century (1999)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005)
Muhammad Ali Interesting Facts
- Converted to Islam in 1964 and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali.
- Famously coined the phrase, “I am the greatest,” and often used poetic trash-talking to intimidate his opponents.
- Ali was a controversial figure, both for his religious beliefs and his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War.
- Ali was also a skilled trash-talker, and his pre-fight interviews were often as entertaining as his fights.
- A skilled poet and often wrote poems about his life and experiences.
- Stripped of his boxing title in 1967 after refusing to serve in the Vietnam War. This led to a three-year suspension from boxing. He was then reinstated to boxing in 1970, and he went on to win the heavyweight championship three more times.
- Retired from boxing in 1981.
- A passionate humanitarian who worked to raise awareness about several social issues, including racism, poverty, and hunger.
- Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984 and continued to fight the disease until he died in 2016.
Muhammad Ali Legacy
- A gifted athlete from a young age, winning the Kentucky Golden Gloves tournament in 1956 and 1960.
- He won an Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.
- Ali was a gifted boxer with a flamboyant personality. He was known for his “rope-a-dope” technique, which involved leaning back against the ropes and absorbing punches to tire out his opponents.
- Ali was the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times and his career had a total of 56 wins, 37 of which were knockouts.
- Defeated Sonny Liston to win the world heavyweight championship in 1964
- Regained the heavyweight championship in 1974 and 1978
- Defeated Joe Frazier three times
- Dubbed “The Greatest” by Sports Illustrated
Muhammad Ali’s Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2016, Muhammad Ali’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million. His career earnings, endorsements, and business ventures contributed to his wealth.
His legacy extends beyond boxing. He remains an inspiration to many for his athletic achievements, unwavering principles, and advocacy for social justice and humanitarian causes.
Ali was a complex and fascinating figure who left a lasting legacy. He was a great boxer, a courageous activist, and a larger-than-life personality. His story is one of triumph over adversity, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest athletes and icons of the 20th century.