Born Cassius Clay, Jr.
![Black and white photo of baby Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay, Jr.) in white outfit](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0034-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-830x1024.jpg)
Red Bike Moment
The red Schwinn bike of twelve-year-old Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay, Jr.) is stolen outside the annual Louisville Home Show. Reporting the theft to nearby policeman Joe Martin, he expresses a desire to “whup” the culprit. Martin—who trains young boxers—suggests he should first learn how to fight. (Spoiler alert: advice taken.)
Enters Central High School
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali with group at Central High School](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Courier-Muhammad-at-Central-aspect-ratio-85-59.jpg)
Wins Olympic Gold Medal
Three months out of high school, Ali competes at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Despite being afraid of airplanes, Ali boards the flight while wearing an army surplus parachute. He wins the light-heavyweight gold medal, defeating Zbigniew Pietrzykowski of Poland.
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali and family as he wears his gold medal](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CJ-Olympic-Gold-aspect-ratio-36-35.jpg)
Signs with Louisville Sponsoring Group
At age 18, Clay enters a contract with a group of Louisville-area businessmen who will finance his professional boxing career. Clay is represented by Alberta O. Jones, who influenced his future philanthropic efforts. Clay would later donate the winnings of his first professional fight to Kosair Children's Hospital.
Meets Malcolm X
Clay’s early boxing years are also formative ones in his spiritual journeys, headlined by meeting Malcolm X in Detroit in 1962, and Drew Bundini Brown in the spring of 1963. Training with Angelo Dundee at 5th Street Gym in Miami, Cassius is poised for the next level, carrying 19 straight wins into his first shot at the heavyweight championship.
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Malcolm-X-crop-approved-scaled-aspect-ratio-85-59-1024x711.jpg)
Clay Vs. Sonny Liston (I)
In his first heavyweight title bout, Ali is a longshot to defeat Liston, widely seen as unstoppable. Nonetheless, Ali predicts “a total eclipse of the Sonny”—and indeed Liston does not rise to the seventh round’s opening bell. “I’m the greatest! I shook up the world!”
Win - Technical Knockout in 6 rounds [Miami Beach]
![](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/h3-scaled-aspect-ratio-36-35-1024x996.jpg)
Announces Conversion to Islam, Name Change
First Visit To Africa
![Historical photo of a Muhammad Ali as a young man in Nigeria with a group of boys and young men](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1964-Nigeria-aspect-ratio-81-100-1.jpg)
Refuses Military Draft in Houston
Ali twice refuses to step forward when military induction officials call his name, citing his conscientious objection to the war in Vietnam as a minister in the non-violent religion of Islam. Convicted of draft evasion, he is stripped of his heavyweight title and boxing licenses.
"No, I will not go 10,000 miles from home to help murder and kill another poor people simply to continue the domination of white slave masters."
Muhammad Ali
Rallies with Martin Luther King, Jr. in Louisville
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali with Martin Luther King, Jr.](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Courier-MLK-aspect-ratio-81-100.png)
![Article from Courier-Journal showing Ku Klux Klan members at Churchill Downs who offered to "help keep order on Derby Day."](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The_Courier_Journal_1967_05_04_Page_32-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
Cleveland Summit
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali at Cleveland Summit alongside Jim Brown and other athletes](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cleveland-summit-crop-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-85-59-1024x711.jpg)
Ali Vs. Jerry Quarry: First Post-Exile Fight
![Action photo of Muhammad Ali after punching Jerry Quarry in their Oct. 26 fight](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a001-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-830x1024.jpg)
Ali Vs. Joe Frazier (I)
![Action photo of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier during boxing match](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/n4-scaled-aspect-ratio-85-59-1024x711.jpg)
Supreme Court Decision
Makes First Pilgrimage to Mecca - Hajj
With his passport returned by the Supreme Court decision, Ali travels to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj for the first time. Ali observes ihrām—a sacred state of cleansing and attire—as he approaches Mecca. While there, Ali also meets with the royal family.
Establishes Deer Lake Training Camp
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali leading a horse outside Deer Lake near rock with Joe Louis' name painted on top](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1129-b003-scaled-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali raising both his hands in the air as a photographer is taking his picture](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1127-m1-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x948.jpg)
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali sitting on wooden logs outside Deer Lake as his friends gather nearby](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1127-b010-scaled-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
![Color picture of Muhammad Ali in a fighter's stance](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/d2-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x949.jpg)
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali pointing at photographer in Deer Lake training camp](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ali_1067c_8-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x948.jpg)
![Color photo of Muhammad Ali sitting on wooden logs outside Deer Lake](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/M6-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x948.jpg)
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali peeking through ropes outside of boxing ring](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1129-f005-scaled-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali sitting on large rock with painted on words "Rocky Marciano"](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1127-h029-scaled-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali looking at himself in a mirror with boxing programs taped on wall nearby](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ali_1067d_5-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x948.jpg)
Ali Vs. Joe Frazier (II) - Super Fight II
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier inside boxing ring](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1072-g007-scaled-aspect-ratio-85-59-1024x711.jpg)
Ali Vs. George Foreman – Rumble in the Jungle
A showdown in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) to reclaim Ali's heavyweight title puts him against Foreman, the imposing favorite. Ali employs his “rope-a-dope” tactic: leaning on the ropes, Ali absorbs body blows until Foreman finally wears himself out. The fight held cultural impact for the people of Zaire, who connected with Ali, as well as the millions who watched the fight around the world.
Win - Knockout in 8 rounds [Kinshasa, Zaire]
![Action shot of Muhammad Ali punching George Foreman](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ali27-scaled-aspect-ratio-36-35-1024x995.jpg)
Makes First White House Visit
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali meeting with President Gerald Ford in the Oval Office](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/President_Gerald_R._Ford_Meeting_with_Boxer_Muhammad_Ali_Herbert_Muhammad_Stanley_Scott_and_Others_in_the_Oval_Office_-_NARA_-_45644179-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-830x1024.jpg)
Elijah Muhammad Dies
Wallace D. Muhammad assumes his father’s leadership of the Nation of Islam, aligning it more closely with the teachings and practices of Sunni Islam. Ali chose to follow these teachings and practice what he came to refer to as “true Islam.”
Ali Vs. Joe Frazier (III) – Thrilla In Manila
Ali meets Frazier in the final installment of this storied boxing rivalry, and one of the most grueling but best displays of the sport. It was the fight Ali said was the closest he's ever been to dying. Both fighters faded fast toward the end, but it was Frazier’s corner who conceded in round 14.
Win - Technical Knockout in 14 rounds [Quezon City, Philippines]
![Action photo of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the ring as Frazier dodges punch](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/manilla75f-scaled-aspect-ratio-36-35-1024x995.jpg)
Leads Trenton Rally for “Hurricane” Carter
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali speaking at event for release of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1227-g8-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-830x1024.jpg)
Campaigns against Apartheid
Ali Vs. Leon Spinks (II)
Ali’s self-appointed title of “The Greatest” is solidified in a Spinks rematch at The Superdome in New Orleans. The event has the then-highest attendance ever for an indoor bout. Ali takes the world heavyweight championship for a third time—a first in boxing history.
Win - Unanimous Decision in 15 rounds [New Orleans, Louisiana]
![Action photo of Muhammad Ali trading punches with Leon Spinks](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/i6-scaled-aspect-ratio-36-35-1024x995.jpg)
Prevents young man’s suicide in L.A.
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali and a man two windows apart](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-517721768-aspect-ratio-85-59.jpg)
Ali Vs. Trevor Berbick – Drama in Bahama
![Action photo of Muhammad Ali throwing punch toward Trevor Berbick in the ring](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/u7-scaled-aspect-ratio-85-59-1024x711.jpg)
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease
Marries Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams
After many years of friendship, Lonnie and Muhammad were married in a small ceremony at the home of then Louisville Mayor Harvey Sloane.
![Black and white photo of Muhammad Ali and Lonnie standing next to each other](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ali-and-lonnie-crop-approved-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-85-59-1024x710.jpg)
Negotiates Release of 15 U.S. Hostages in Iraq
Despite warnings, Ali travels to Baghdad, Iraq to negotiate the release of 15 United States hostages taken during the Kuwait invasion. Ali meets with Saddam Hussein for nearly an hour and successfully secures the hostages’ release.
![A group of men with yellow ribbon pens on stand in a group. Muhammad Ali is in the back.](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gulf-War-hostages-MAC-File-aspect-ratio-36-35-1.jpg)
Meets Nelson Mandela
![Color photo of Nelson Mandela posing with a fake punch towards Muhammad Ali](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Ali-and-Mandela-aspect-ratio-85-59.png)
Lights the Summer Olympic Cauldron
In an opening ceremony surprise, with undisguised challenges holding the torch and yet focused and precise, Ali lights the Olympic cauldron in a moment that captivates 3.5 billion worldwide viewers.
![Muhammad Ali dressed in all white lifts up a lit Olympic Torch](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-225121-aspect-ratio-36-35.jpg)
Named U.N. Messenger of Peace
![Photo of Muhammad Ali receiving UN Messenger of Peace pin from Secretary-General Kofi Annan](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ALI-ANNAN-MESSENGER-OF-PEACE-aspect-ratio-85-59.png)
Visits Ground Zero after 9/11
Days after the devastating attacks of September 11, Ali travels to Ground Zero to thank first responders and share a message of peace in the face of xenophobia and Islamic extremist terrorism.
![Color photo of Muhammad Ali with soldiers at Ground Zero one week after 9/11.](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/119008457_10158979869813413_3852791632382346764_n-aspect-ratio-36-35.jpg)
Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
![Muhammad Ali receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Pres. George W. Bush](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2005-Presidential-Medal-of-Freedom-aspect-ratio-85-59.jpg)
Muhammad Ali Center Opens
Despite Ali’s impact and fame around the world, Lonnie and Muhammad choose their beloved Louisville as home to a museum and education center for mobilizing Muhammad’s legacy of fostering respect, inspiring future changemakers, and advancing social justice.
![Man stands with arms crossed in front of Muhammad Ali banner](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JULIAN_MAC_DEDICATION_056-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x949.jpg)
![Muhammad Ali getting ride in golf cart while people walk by](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JULIAN_MAC_DEDICATION_111-scaled-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
![Howard Bingham waves to the camera while sitting down](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JULIAN_MAC_DEDICATION_087-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x948.jpg)
![Bob Costas speaks at lecturn during Ali Center opening](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JULIAN_MAC_DEDICATION_98-scaled-aspect-ratio-81-100-768x948.jpg)
![Photo of Muhammad Ali opening a box in front of children at celebration](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JULIAN_MAC_DEDICATION_178-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
![Photo of Lonnie Ali waving with Muhammad next to her and flags behind them](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JULIAN_MAC_DEDICATION_168-scaled-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
![Photo of Muhammad Ali, Lonnie and two daughters with flags behind them](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dedication-1-aspect-ratio-148-100.jpg)
![Photo of crowd gathered outside Muhammad Ali Center for opening celebration](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JULIAN_MAC_DEDICATION_067-aspect-ratio-148-100-768x519.jpg)
Inaugural Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards
Muhammad Ali Passes Away
Muhammad Ali passes away late in the evening in Scottsdale, Arizona due to respiratory complications. He was 74.
Celebration of Life and Legacy
For seven days, Louisville and the Muhammad Ali Center are the epicenter of an historic public memorial. Hundreds of thousands of people descend upon his hometown for several memorial events, including a sprawling funeral procession through Ali’s beloved hometown streets.
![Hearse covered in flowers drives down street with crowd throwing flowers onto the car](https://alicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AliMotorcade11-scaled-aspect-ratio-36-35-1024x996.jpg)