Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was not just a legendary boxer but also a global icon who transcended sports.
Known for his charisma, activism, and unmatched skill in the ring, Ali left an indelible mark on history. Here’s an in-depth look at his life, career, and legacy.
Muhammad Ali’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (later Muhammad Ali) |
| Nickname | The Greatest, The Louisville Lip |
| Born | January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky |
| Died | June 3, 2016 (aged 74) |
| Religion | Converted to Islam in 1964 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Turned Pro | October 29, 1960 |
| Education | Central High School, Louisville |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $50-$80 million |
| Salary (Peak Earnings) | $8 million per fight (equivalent to ~$22 million today) |
| Spouse | Lonnie Ali (married in 1986) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Nine children, including Laila Ali (professional boxer) |
| Instagram Profile | @muhammadali |
Early Career
Muhammad Ali began boxing at age 12 after his bicycle was stolen. Determined to “whup” the thief, he was introduced to the sport by a police officer who became his first coach.
Ali quickly rose through the amateur ranks, winning six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles and two national Golden Gloves titles.
At just 18 years old, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Shortly after, he turned professional and began his journey to becoming “The Greatest.”
Professional Career
Ali’s professional debut came on October 29, 1960, with a win over Tunney Hunsaker. By 1964, he shocked the world by defeating Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion at just 22 years old.
This victory marked the beginning of an illustrious career that included legendary bouts such as:
- The Fight of the Century against Joe Frazier in 1971.
- The Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman in 1974.
- The Thrilla in Manila against Joe Frazier in 1975.
Ali was known for his unique fighting style—combining speed, agility, and power—and his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy.
He retired in 1981 with a record of 56 wins (37 by knockout) and only five losses.
Wife
- Sonji Roi (1964–1966): Ali’s first wife. Their marriage ended after a year due to differences, particularly her refusal to adopt Nation of Islam customs.
- Belinda Boyd (later Khalilah Camacho Ali) (1967–1977): They had 4 children together—Maryum, Jamillah, Rasheda, and Muhammad Ali Jr.
- Veronica Porché (1977–1986): His third wife, with whom he had 2 daughters, Hana and Laila Ali.
- Yolanda “Lonnie” Williams (1986–2016): His fourth and final wife. They adopted a son, Asaad Amin, and remained married until Ali’s death in 2016.
Muhammad Ali’s Net Worth Details
Muhammad Ali’s net worth is estimated to be between $50 million to $80 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from fight purses, endorsements, licensing deals for his name and image, and investments.
Fight Purses
| Fight Opponent | Year | Earnings ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Sonny Liston | 1964 | $630,000 |
| Joe Frazier (Fight of the Century) | 1971 | $2.5 million |
| George Foreman (Rumble in the Jungle) | 1974 | $5.45 million |
| Joe Frazier (Thrilla in Manila) | 1975 | $6 million |
| Larry Holmes | 1980 | $8 million |
Endorsements
Ali’s charisma made him a sought-after figure for endorsements throughout his life. Some notable partnerships include:
- Chevrolet
- Under Armour
- Adidas
- Gatorade
- Coca-Cola
- Pizza Hut
- Wheaties
- Toyota
Even after retiring from boxing, Ali continued to earn millions through licensing deals and endorsements.
Career Stats
Ali’s boxing record stands as one of the most impressive in history:
| Opponent | Date | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonny Liston | February 25, 1964 | Win | TKO (6th Round) |
| Joe Frazier | March 8, 1971 | Loss | Unanimous Decision |
| George Foreman | October 30, 1974 | Win | KO (8th Round) |
| Ken Norton | March 31, 1973 | Loss | Split Decision |
FAQs
1. What was Muhammad Ali’s birth name and why did he change it?
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942. He changed his name after converting to Islam in 1964, rejecting his birth name as a “slave name” and adopting Muhammad Ali, which he considered a symbol of freedom and self-identity.
2. What were Muhammad Ali’s major boxing achievements?
Muhammad Ali won the heavyweight championship three times and had a record of 56 wins, including 37 knockouts. He won an Olympic gold medal in light heavyweight boxing in 1960 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history.
3. What was the “Rope-a-Dope” strategy, and how did Muhammad Ali use it?
The “Rope-a-Dope” strategy involved leaning against the ropes to absorb punches while conserving energy. Ali famously used this tactic during his 1974 fight against George Foreman in Zaire, tiring Foreman before delivering a knockout punch in the eighth round.
4. Why did Muhammad Ali refuse to fight in the Vietnam War?
Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War due to his religious beliefs and opposition to violence. He stated, “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong.” His stance led to his conviction for draft evasion, stripping him of his titles, but it was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
5. What is Muhammad Ali’s legacy beyond boxing?
Beyond boxing, Ali was a civil rights advocate and humanitarian. He stood against racial inequality, opposed the Vietnam War, and used his fame to promote peace and unity globally. His resilience inspired generations to challenge injustice.
6. How did Muhammad Ali’s career impact his health?
Years of boxing took a toll on Ali’s health, leading to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 1984. Despite his condition, he remained active in humanitarian efforts and public appearances until his death in 2016.
7. What were some of Muhammad Ali’s famous quotes?
Ali was known for inspiring quotes like “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” “Don’t count the days; make the days count,” and “Impossible is nothing.” These phrases reflect his confidence, determination, and charisma.
8. How did Muhammad Ali want to be remembered?
Ali expressed that he wanted to be remembered as a man who treated everyone right, stood up for justice, and brought humor into people’s lives—a legacy that extended beyond his boxing achievements.
9. What awards and honors did Muhammad Ali receive?
Ali received numerous accolades including Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated, BBC Sports Personality of the Century, Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005), and induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990).
10. When did Muhammad Ali pass away and what caused his death?
Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016, at age 74 due to septic shock. He passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaving behind a profound legacy as both a sports icon and social activist.
