Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was born at 6:35 p.m. in Louisville, Kentucky to Cassius Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay.

Muhammad Ali, born on January 17, 1942, was an American professional boxer and one of the greatest sporting figures of the 20th century.

Muhammad Ali had his first fight on May 5, 1954.

On September 5, 1960, Muhammad Ali secured an Olympic gold medal, marking a significant achievement in his early career as a boxer.

On February 25, 1964, Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, won his first heavyweight title by defeating reigning champion Sonny Liston. This victory marked the beginning of his legendary reign as a heavyweight champion.

After winning the championship from Liston in 1964, the Nation of Islam agreed to publicize his membership and Elijah Muhammad gave a radio address renaming Clay to Muhammad Ali. Ali explained that his earlier name was a 'slave name' and a 'white man's name' and expressed his desire to be known as Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali defended his title against former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson, with the match lasting 12 rounds before being called on a technical knockout. There were speculations about the authenticity of the conflict between Ali and Patterson during the fight.

Muhammad Ali adopted the name Muhammad Ali after joining the Nation of Islam, replacing his previous 'slave name' given in honor of a white abolitionist who freed his slaves. This marked a significant turning point in his life and career.

On April 28, 1967, Muhammad Ali refused military induction into the U.S. Armed Forces, citing his religious beliefs. This led to the revocation of his heavyweight championship and a three-year ban from boxing during the prime of his career.

Muhammad Ali returned to a Houston boxing ring to fight Terrell in a contentious match. Terrell's use of Ali's former name, Clay, angered the champion, leading to a brutal 15-round fight.

Muhammad Ali lost by unanimous decision to Joe Frazier in the 'Fight of the Century', marking his first professional defeat.

On March 8, 1971, Muhammad Ali defended his world title at Madison Square Garden in New York. The fight was a 15-round battle that took place in front of a large audience.

On January 28, 1974, Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier in a highly anticipated match at Madison Square Garden in New York. The fight ended with a decision in favor of Joe Frazier, known as 'L12'.

On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali faced George Foreman in the 'Rumble in the Jungle' in Kinshasa, Zaire. Despite being the underdog, Ali employed his 'rope-a-dope' strategy and won in an eighth-round knockout, regaining the title stripped from him seven years prior.

Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman on October 30, 1974, in a surprising turn of events during the 'Rumble in the Jungle'. Ali's 'rope-a-dope' strategy and relentless taunting led to Foreman's first career knockdown.

Muhammad Ali was preparing for his title fight with Joe Frazier on October 1, 1975, by punching a speed bag at the Folk Art Center in Manila, Philippines.

Muhammad Ali's third match with Joe Frazier, known as the 'Thrilla in Manila', was held in temperatures approaching 100 °F. Ali adopted the 'rope-a-dope' strategy and dominated the 13th and 14th rounds, leading to Frazier's trainer refusing to allow him to answer the bell for the 15th and final round.

On October 1, 1975, Muhammad Ali achieved a technical knockout victory over his opponent, who was the 14th fighter he defeated, in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum. The fight was for the World Title.

Muhammad Ali defeated Jean-Pierre Coopman by 5th round knockout, although the WBC Heavyweight title was not on the line for this fight.

Muhammad Ali fought Jimmy Young and won a controversial unanimous decision. This fight was marked by Howard Cosell's remark that he had 'never seen Ali so off in his timing'.

Muhammad Ali defeated Richard Dunn by 5th round technical knockout, marking the last time Ali would knock an opponent out in his boxing career.

In February 1978, Muhammad Ali lost his heavyweight title to Leon Spinks.

Six months later, in August 1978, Muhammad Ali regained his heavyweight title by defeating Leon Spinks.

A rematch occurred in September 1978 at the Superdome in New Orleans, where Ali won a unanimous decision, becoming the first heavyweight champion to win the belt three times.

On July 27, 1979, Ali announced his retirement from boxing, marking the end of an era in the sport.

On October 2, 1980, Ali returned to the ring to fight Larry Holmes at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, resulting in Ali's first loss by stoppage. This fight had a significant impact on Ali's health.

Muhammad Ali talked a suicidal man down from jumping off a ninth-floor ledge in Los Angeles, an act that garnered national attention and showcased his compassion and heroism.

Despite pleas to retire, Ali fought for the last time on December 11, 1981, in Nassau, Bahamas, against Trevor Berbick, marking the end of his boxing career.

Muhammad Ali is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, which significantly impacts his health and later becomes a focal point of his advocacy work.

Muhammad Ali was inducted into the inaugural class of the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.

In 1996, Muhammad Ali was chosen to light the Olympic flame at the start of the Games of the XXVI Olympiad in Atlanta, Georgia. His appearance confirmed his status as one of the most-beloved athletes in the world.

Sports Illustrated names Muhammad Ali as the Sportsman of the Century in recognition of his unparalleled achievements and influence in the world of sports.

Muhammad Ali praised Will Smith's performance in the biopic Ali, stating that Smith was the only person who could accurately resemble and act like him.

On November 17, 2002, Muhammad Ali went to Afghanistan as the 'U.N. Messenger of Peace' for a three-day goodwill mission as a special guest of the UN.

Muhammad Ali passed away in 2004. He was a legendary boxer and one of the most beloved athletes in the world.

In 2005, Muhammad Ali was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.

On July 27, 2012, Muhammad Ali was a titular bearer of the Olympic flag during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, despite his declining health due to Parkinson's syndrome.

On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali died in Phoenix, Arizona. He was known for his remarkable boxing career and his personal life, having been married four times and fathering nine children.

Ali's funeral services began in Louisville with an Islamic Janazah prayer service at Freedom Hall. The Janazah prayer was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

A public memorial service for Ali was held at downtown Louisville's KFC Yum! Center. The service included eulogies from Billy Crystal, Lonnie Ali, Bryant Gumbel, and former President Bill Clinton. The estimated viewership was 1 billion worldwide.

On February 25th, 2024, marks the 60th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali's very first Heavyweight title victory over Sonny Liston in 1964. The victory took place on Washington Avenue, where he trained and clinched the Championship title. The exhibit showcases his life from childhood to Miami, the Olympics, title bouts, and historic global influence.