Muhammad Ali's Milestones

Muhammad Ali was an American heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, cultural icon, and outspoken activist who opposed the Vietnam War and inspired millions with his charisma and courage.
1942

Birth

Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay.

Family January 17, 1942
1954

Began boxing training

Began boxing training at age 12 after his bike was stolen.

Achievement October 1, 1954
1956

Amateur career success

Won six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles and two national Golden Gloves titles as an amateur.

Achievement September 1, 1956 - August 31, 1960
1960

Olympic gold medal

Won the light heavyweight boxing gold medal at the Rome Olympics.

Achievement September 5, 1960

Turned professional

Made his professional boxing debut.

Career October 29, 1960
1964

First world heavyweight title

Won the world heavyweight title by defeating Sonny Liston.

Achievement February 25, 1964

Changed name to Muhammad Ali

Converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

Other March 6, 1964
1965

Defended title

Successfully defended the heavyweight title multiple times, including a rematch with Sonny Liston.

Achievement May 25, 1965 - March 22, 1967
1967

Vietnam War protest

Refused military induction, was stripped of his title, and banned from boxing for over three years.

Other April 28, 1967 - June 28, 1971
1970

Returned to boxing

Returned to boxing, defeating Jerry Quarry in his comeback fight.

Career October 26, 1970
1971

'Fight of the Century' vs. Joe Frazier

Fought Joe Frazier in the 'Fight of the Century,' his first professional loss.

Achievement March 8, 1971
1974

Regained heavyweight title

Regained the heavyweight title by defeating George Foreman in the 'Rumble in the Jungle.'

Achievement October 30, 1974
1975

'Thrilla in Manila' win

Defeated Joe Frazier in the 'Thrilla in Manila,' one of boxing's greatest bouts.

Achievement October 1, 1975
1978

Lost and regained title

Lost the title to Leon Spinks, then regained it in a rematch, becoming the first three-time heavyweight champion.

Achievement February 15, 1978 - September 15, 1978
1981

Retired from boxing

Retired from professional boxing after his final fight against Trevor Berbick.

Career December 11, 1981
1984

Humanitarian work

Dedicated his later years to humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, and advocacy for peace.

Achievement January 1, 1984 - June 3, 2016

Parkinson's diagnosis

Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Other September 1, 1984
1996

Lit Olympic torch

Lit the Olympic torch at the Atlanta Summer Olympics.

Achievement July 19, 1996
2016

Death

Muhammad Ali died in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Other June 3, 2016