Muhammad ali

Borth

Jan 17, 1942

Cassius Clay is born in Louisville, Kentucky:

early year

Sep 5, 1960

After winning three bouts in the qualifying round at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games, Cassius Clay defeats Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, of Poland, for the gold medal. Clay was just 18 when he won the gold medal by a decision.

first win

Feb 25, 1964

Ali defeats champion Sonny Liston in a technical knockout to win the world heavyweight boxing crown in Miami.

married and ends

Aug 14, 1964

Ali married Sonji Roi. The marriage later ends in divorce.

Marrried Belinda Boyd

Aug 17, 1967

Ali married Belinda Boyd. After the wedding, she converted to Islam. The marriage later ends in divorce

reinstated

Jul 26, 1970

Ali is reinstated into boxing.

fight of the century

Mar 8, 1971

The Fight of the Century” takes place between Ali and Joe Frazier in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Frazier won by a unanimous decision in 15 rounds. The bout marked Ali’s first defeat of his pro career.

first conviction

Jun 28, 1971

The U.S. Supreme Court reversed Ali’s 1967 conviction.

he's daughter was born

Dec 30, 1977

Ali’s daughter, Laila, was born. She is the daughter of Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porsche. Laila went on to become a professional boxer.

first loses

Feb 15, 1978

Ali loses to 1976 Olympic champion Leon Spinks in 15 rounds by a split decision.

retirement

Jun 27, 1979

Ali announces his retirement.

opening ceremony

Jul 19, 1996

Ali lights the Olympic cauldron during the Opening Ceremony for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. He also received a replacement gold medal for the one he won in 1960.

died

Jul 3, 2016

Ali dies at age 74 in Phoenix, after being hospitalized with respiratory issues.