Sports · 1942–2016

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

  1. 1960: Wins Olympic gold in Rome
  2. 1964: Becomes world heavyweight champion
  3. 1974: Wins the Rumble in the Jungle
  4. 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.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
— Muhammad Ali, Before his fight with Sonny Liston, 1964

Profile

Muhammad Ali: The Greatest

American boxer, born 1942

Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville on 17 January 1942.

He won Olympic gold in 1960.

He was stripped of his title for refusing the Vietnam draft.

He won the world heavyweight title three times.

Career highlights

  1. 1960Olympic gold: Rome
  2. 1964Champion: beats Liston
  3. 1974Rumble in the Jungle: beats Foreman
  4. 1975Thrilla in Manila: beats Frazier
  5. 1996Olympic flame: lights cauldron

Did you know?He was born Cassius Clay.

Would be
84
Age at death
74
Years since death
10

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Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

When is Muhammad Ali's birthday?
Muhammad Ali's birthday is January 17. He was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, United States.
How old was Muhammad Ali when he died?
Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016, aged 74.
Who shares a birthday with Muhammad Ali?
Famous people who share Muhammad Ali's January 17 birthday include Benjamin Franklin, Michelle Obama, Jim Carrey, David Lloyd George and Al Capone.

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Reviewed by the Who Shares My Birthday editorial team.

Last reviewed: October 2026