Muhammad Ali

American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet and philanthropist. Nicknamed "The Greatest," he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. He is frequently ranked as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. An Olympic gold medallist, he is the only man to win the heavyweight championship of the world three times.

He began boxing professionally on 29 October 1960 and became world champ in 1964 by knocking out Sonny Liston. His title was declared vacant after he refused military obligation as a Muslim and a conscientious objector. He later changed his name and reentered the ring in 1970, fighting with singular grace and beauty for 25 years. Muhammad Ali earned a reputation as a man dedicated to his goals and beliefs. A consummate showman, he used to call himself "the Greatest," and many of his fans believe that the nickname fits.

Clay’s great grandfather was an Irishman who had married a black girl. Ali was raised in a middle-class neighbourhood, the eldest of two sons born to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa (Grady) Clay. Ali's father supported his family as a sign and mural painter, while his mother worked as a domestic. Ali worshiped with his family on Sundays at Mount Zion Baptists Church and attended school with brother Rudolph. He was a rather poor student, which he blamed on his preoccupation with boxing as a boy. Ali confessed that he wished he had put forth more effort academically, because he struggled as a slow reader his entire life.

It was due to a stolen bicycle that Ali began to box, at age 12. When he reported the theft, Policeman Joe Martin invited the boy to train with Fred Stoner, who taught him to move with the speed and grace of a dancer. While still in high school, he won 100 out of 108 matches and earned six Kentucky and two national Golden Glove championships, as well as two Amateur Athletic Union Championships.