Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., in 1942. He was just 22 years old when he won the World Heavyweight Championship from Sonny Liston on this day, February 25th, 1964. Clay embraced the religious affiliation of the Nation of Islam that year and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Due to religious reasons he refused conscription into the US Military and the Vietnam War. He was arrested, had his license suspended and was stripped of his boxing title. Following a 4 year appeal in the US Supreme Court, Ali regained the title and has been forever known as 'The Greatest'. He was involved in several historic boxing matches that are considered among the best in boxing history, with rivals Joe Frazier and George Forman. Muhammad Ali defeated every top heavyweight in his era!
Muhammad Ali brought beauty and grace to the sport through his unorthodox fighting style and techniques. He was a character with a personality that charmed and entertained. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Syndrome in 1984 at the age of 42, Ali has been married 4 times and has 7 daughters and 2 sons. He makes his home in Scottsdale, AZ.
To 'float like a butterfly...' A thing of beauty!
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