Cassius Clay Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He began boxing at the age of 12 and quickly rose through the amateur ranks. In 1960, at the age of 18, he won the Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight division. He turned professional later that year.

In 1964, after winning the world heavyweight championship against Sonny Liston, Clay announced that he had converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He also joined the Nation of Islam, a controversial decision at the time that had a significant impact on his public persona.

In 1967, Ali refused to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. As a result, he was stripped of his boxing titles and banned from the sport for several years. He was eventually reinstated, and in 1971, the United States Supreme Court overturned his conviction for draft evasion.

Throughout the 1970s, Ali had several legendary bouts, most notably the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier, the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman, and the “Thrilla in Manila” against Frazier again. He became the first three-time heavyweight champion of the world.

Ali retired from professional boxing in 1981. In his later years, he battled Parkinson’s disease, a condition that was attributed, in part, to his boxing career. Despite his health challenges, he remained an iconic and beloved figure.

Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, after being hospitalized for respiratory issues. He is remembered not only for his exceptional skills inside the boxing ring but also for his charisma, wit, and advocacy for social and political causes, making him one of the most influential athletes and cultural figures in history.