Muhammad Ali transcended boxing and became a worldwide phenomenon with incredible charisma and wordplay, inspiring people across the globe.
As a three-time world heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali is considered the greatest boxer in history.
He turned professional after winning an Olympic gold medal, but was stripped of his world title after protesting against the war in Vietnam.
He became a key figure in the anti-war and civil rights movement, inspiring a nation not only in the ring but outside of it, too.
Here is everything you need to know about Muhammad Ali.
- READ MORE – Muhammad Ali’s toughest opponent was certain he could never lose, one fight before he did
How old is Muhammad Ali?
Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942. If he were alive today, he would be 85 years old.
Ali was born Cassius Clay, the name he became famous for originally. However, after becoming the world heavyweight champion, he denounced his “slave name” and converted to Islam, joining the Nation of Islam and changing his name to Muhammad Ali.
Muhammad Ali’s height, weight, and reach
During his boxing career, Ali stood at 6 feet and 3 inches, equivalent to 191cm. As a heavyweight, he typically fought at between 210 and 220 lbs, with a reach of 78 inches (198).
Despite his size, Ali was famed for his incredible speed in the ring. While he wasn’t the hardest puncher, he danced around the ring and wore his opponent out with his incredible footwork.
Muhammad Ali’s wife
Ali was married four times in his life. His first wife was Sonji Roi, whom he married in 1964 but divorced in 1966. He went on to marry Belinda Boyd and Veronica Porsche, before marrying Lonnie Ali in 1986. He stayed with Lonnie until his death in 2016.
Muhammad Ali’s grandson
Ali’s grandson is Nico Ali Walsh, an American boxer who made his debut in August 2021. He made his debut wearing Ali’s personal Everlast shorts and has gone on to achieve a record of 12 wins and 2 losses.
How did Muhammad Ali die?
Ali died on June 3, 2016, from septic shock, although the specific cause of this is unknown. He struggled with health for the last three decades of his life, suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Muhammad Ali’s boxing record
| Record (W-L-D) | (T)KO |
| 56-5-0 | 37-1 |
Muhammad Ali’s last fight
The last fight of Ali’s career was his 61st one. He had come out of retirement a year prior in a defeat against Larry Holmes and was clearly past his prime when he took on Trevor Berbick in the Bahamas.
The 39-year-old Ali struggled against his younger opponent, losing in 10 rounds via unanimous decision. He failed in his goal to become a four-time world champion and retired after this crushing defeat.
Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier
Some of Ali’s most famous fights were his trilogy against Joe Frazier over 5 years in the 1970s.
Frazier was the first man to beat Ali in a huge shock defeat for the champion in Madison Square Garden. He won by unanimous decision and became a worldwide star overnight by beating the world heavyweight champion.
Ali won the rematch before the third and most exciting fight. Dubbed the “Thrilla in Manila“, a reported 1 billion people watched Ali knock Frazier out after 14 rounds to culminate the most exciting trilogy in boxing history.
Muhammad Ali vs Larry Holmes
Ali had his “Last Hurrah” in Las Vegas in 1980, coming out of retirement to take on Larry Holmes. Ali announced he was leaving boxing a year earlier, but was tempted for one last fight to become a four-time world champion (although the $8 million payday didn’t hurt either).
Holmes defeated Ali in dominant fashion, picking apart the 39-year-old former champion. It was a sad fight to watch, as the great Ali had no response to the champion at any point in the fight.
The bout was stopped in the 10th round due to the immense punishment Holmes inflicted on the legend. He cried after the fight for the damage he did to Ali, which is said to have impacted Ali’s health in later life.
Muhammad Ali vs Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson has never boxed Ali, as the former champion had his last fight 4 years before the former champion retired.
However, Tyson is an admittedly big fan of Ali. During a talk show appearance, Tyson called him the “greatest of all time” and was touched to share a sofa with the boxing legend.
When asked who would win out of Tyson and Ali, “Iron Mike” responded: “I know I’m vain. I know I’m great. Every head must bow, every tongue must confess, this is the greatest of all time.”
Ali seemed touched by the admission, but admitted he would be afraid to box Tyson.