Muhammad Ali Birthday, Age & Famous Birthday Twins
Born: 17 January 1942 · Died: 3 June 2016 · Age: 74
Three-time world heavyweight boxing champion who called himself The Greatest and refused the Vietnam draft on principle
Did you know?He was so afraid of flying that he reportedly bought a parachute from an army surplus store to wear during a flight.
Quick facts
Date of birth17 January 1942
Date of death3 June 2016
Age at death74
Cause of deathRespiratory disease
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceLouisville, United States
Occupationboxer, autobiographer, activist
Editor's Take:
Muhammad Ali was as famous for his words and principles as for his boxing. Born Cassius Clay, he won Olympic gold in 1960 and shocked the world by beating Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champion in 1964. He then changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam, and in 1967 he refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War on religious grounds, losing his title and several years of his career. He came back to win legendary fights such as the 'Rumble in the Jungle' and the 'Thrilla in Manila'. His later battle with Parkinson's disease, faced with courage, made him an even more beloved figure.
Key Milestones
1960: Wins Olympic gold in Rome
1964: Becomes world heavyweight champion
1974: Wins the Rumble in the Jungle
1996: Lights the Olympic cauldron in Atlanta
Muhammad Ali ( ah-LEE; born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer and activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "the Greatest", he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.