What do people think when they hear the name Muhammad Ali? To most he was the greatest fighter to ever live. Based on his accolades, that statement is true. All of his big matches he won and all of his championships prove he is the best. But Muhammad Ali was more than just a fighter. Muhammad Ali’s early life and childhood really influenced his career. Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17, 1942. Muhammad Ali’s real name was Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. Ali’s father, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr. was a billboard painter. Ali’s mother Odessa Grady Clay worked on occasion as a household domestic. Muhammad Ali’s family was a big part of his life and of his success. Louisville at that time was a rough place filled with racism …show more content…
Sonny Liston was a great fighter, but Ali was just too much for him to handle. For the next three years, Muhammad Ali was dominating the competition, but on June 20, 1967, he was convicted of refusing induction into the United States Army. He refused because of racism and the hatred of African Americans by most people in America at that time. He lost his heavyweight title and was sentenced to five years in prison. The case was overturned four years into his sentence, but he was not allowed to fight for three …show more content…
Ali’s first achievement was in 1959, when he won the National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion award. A year later, he won a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. Then in 1964, he won the World Heavyweight Championship and kept his title until 1967. In 1970, he won the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Award. Four years later, he won the World Heavyweight Championship Again and had the title for five years following that. Then in 1987, he was elected into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Nine years after that, he lit the Olympic torch in Atlanta. Another very important aspect of Muhammad Ali’s life was his religion and his beliefs. On February 27, 1964, Muhammad Ali accepted the teachings of the Nation of Islam. On March 6, 1964, he changed his name to “Muhammad Ali” which was given to him by his spiritual mentor Elijah Muhammad. He was very devoted to his religion and it was that and other reasons that made him refuse to go into the United States Army. Muhammad Ali was also a civil rights activist. He wanted change in America and he inspired others to stand up for what is right. Muhammad Ali was a legend in the sport of boxing based on what he accomplished. He was also devoted to his religion and his beliefs. He inspired people to be the best they can be and to rise above racism and discrimination. Therefore, he will be remembered forever not only for his boxing stats and achievements, but also for his character