Boxing · United States · 1942–2016
Muhammad Ali Life & Career Timeline
The Greatest: champion, dissenter and global cultural force.
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19421953196419751986199720082016
MAMuhammad AliBoxing · United States
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About this timeline
About Muhammad Ali
Olympic gold, three heavyweight reigns and a public life that transformed what an athlete could represent.
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Muhammad Ali biography
Muhammad Ali timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Louisville
Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr grew up in segregated Louisville.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comBegins boxing at twelve
After his bicycle was stolen, Clay began training with police officer Joe Martin.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comOlympic light-heavyweight champion
Clay won Olympic gold aged eighteen.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comProfessional debut
He defeated Tunney Hunsaker on points.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.com“I shook up the world” takes shape
Speed, predictions and poetry made the unbeaten contender a phenomenon.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comDefeats Sonny Liston
Clay won the heavyweight championship when Liston did not answer the seventh-round bell.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comTakes the name Muhammad Ali
His new name publicly expressed his religious and personal identity.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comListon rematch
Ali retained the title with a first-round knockout.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comChampionship run
Ali defended the heavyweight title five times during the year.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comRefuses military induction
Ali cited his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comExile from boxing
His title and licences were removed during his legal appeal.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comReturns to the ring
After more than three years away, Ali stopped Jerry Quarry.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comFight of the Century
Joe Frazier handed Ali his first professional defeat.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comSupreme Court victory
The US Supreme Court unanimously reversed his draft-evasion conviction.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comRumble in the Jungle
Ali used rope-a-dope tactics to stop George Foreman and regain the title.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comThrilla in Manila
Ali defeated Frazier after fourteen punishing rounds.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comHeavyweight champion for a third time
Victory over Leon Spinks made Ali the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comA global legacy
Ali died aged 74; his influence extended across sport, politics and civil rights.
Connected: Boxing
Source: www.britannica.comExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Muhammad Ali or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Muhammad Ali timeline
Who is Muhammad Ali?
Olympic gold, three heavyweight reigns and a public life that transformed what an athlete could represent.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1942–2016.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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