Muhammad Ali (born of Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.) born January 17, 1942 - died June 3, 2016 at the age of 74 years) is a former professional boxer from the United States, widely known as one of the most significant and famous sports figures from the century -20. from the beginning of his career, Ali was known as an inspirational, controversial and influential figure both inside and outside the ring .
Clay was born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA and started practicing boxing at the age of 12 years. At the age of 22, he had won the Heavyweight World Championship from Sonny Liston in a fight in 1964shortly thereafter, Clay embraced Islam and changed the name of his "slave" to Muhammad Ali and gave a message of racial pride for African Americans as well as resistance to white domination during the African-American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. [6] [7] ]
in 1966, two years after winning the heavyweight title, Ali refused to join military service for the United States Military Forces, as well as against American involvement in the Vietnam War. Ali was later suspended, and his title was revoked by the Boxing Commission. he successfully appealed in the United States Supreme Court, reversing his sentence in 1971. At that time, he could not fight at all for nearly four years and lost his top performance as a boxing athlete. Ali's actions as an opponent of war made him a great icon for the Counter-Generation. [8] [9]
Ali remains the only heavyweight world champion three times; he won the title in 1964, 1974 and 1978between 25 February to 19 September 1964, Ali was named the World Champion of Heavyweight Boxing. He was nicknamed "The Greatest". [10] In 1999, Ali was awarded "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated. [11]
