Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Muhammad Ali
How Muhammad Ali built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Muhammad Ali, often called "The Greatest," was a globally recognized American professional boxer and social activist. Considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight boxer ever, he held multiple championship titles, including the Ring magazine heavyweight title and the WBA heavyweight title. Beyond boxing, Ali was a significant cultural icon. He was named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC.
1954: Amateur Boxing Debut
In 1954, Cassius Clay made his amateur boxing debut against Ronnie O'Keefe and won by split decision, marking the beginning of his journey in the world of boxing.
October 29, 1960: Professional Debut
On October 29, 1960, Cassius Clay made his professional boxing debut, winning a six-round decision over Tunney Hunsaker. This marked the beginning of his professional boxing career.
1960: Hired Angelo Dundee and left Moore's camp
In 1960, Cassius Clay hired Angelo Dundee to be his trainer, replacing Archie Moore. This change occurred partially due to Clay's refusal to do chores in Moore's camp.
1960: Olympic Gold Medal
In 1960, Cassius Clay won the light heavyweight gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Rome, adding a significant achievement to his amateur career.
1960: Olympic Gold and Turning Pro
In 1960, at the age of 18, Muhammad Ali won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Summer Olympics. Later that year, he turned professional as a boxer, starting his iconic career.
1962: Defeated Archie Moore
In 1962, Cassius Clay defeated his former trainer and veteran boxer, Archie Moore, in a match, showcasing his growing skills and dominance in the boxing ring.
1962: Cameo in "Requiem for a Heavyweight"
In 1962, Muhammad Ali had a cameo role in the film version of "Requiem for a Heavyweight".
1962: Meeting Malcolm X and Exposure of Nation of Islam Membership
In 1962, Muhammad Ali met Malcolm X, who became his spiritual and political mentor. By the time of the first Liston fight, Nation of Islam members were visible in Ali's entourage, leading to a Miami Herald story revealing his membership and almost causing the bout to be canceled.
March 13, 1963: Fight of the Year
On March 13, 1963, Cassius Clay fought Doug Jones at Madison Square Garden, which was later named "Fight of the Year" by The Ring magazine. Clay won by unanimous decision, although the decision was controversial, and the fight proved to be one of the toughest during that period of his career.
1963: Top Contender for Sonny Liston
By late 1963, Cassius Clay had emerged as the top contender for Sonny Liston's heavyweight title, setting the stage for their highly anticipated fight. The fight was set for February 25, 1964, in Miami Beach.
1963: Record of 19-0
By the end of 1963, Cassius Clay had amassed a professional record of 19-0 with 15 wins by knockout, establishing himself as a promising boxer.
1963: Release of "I Am the Greatest" Album
In 1963, Muhammad Ali released an album of spoken word music on Columbia Records titled, "I Am the Greatest", which sold 500,000 copies and has been identified as an early example of rap music.
February 25, 1964: World Heavyweight Champion
On February 25, 1964, at age 22, Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) won the world heavyweight championship, defeating Sonny Liston in a major upset. This victory marked a significant turning point in his boxing career.
1964: Recording "Stand by Me" and Grammy Nomination
In 1964, Muhammad Ali recorded a cover version of the rhythm and blues song "Stand by Me". His album "I Am the Greatest" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album at the 6th Annual Grammy Awards.
1964: Publicizing Nation of Islam Membership
In 1964, after winning the championship from Liston, the Nation of Islam agreed to publicize Muhammad Ali's membership. Shortly afterwards on March 6, Elijah Muhammad announced that Clay would be renamed Muhammad Ali. Around that time Ali moved to the south side of Chicago.
May 1965: Rematch with Liston
In May 1965, Muhammad Ali faced a rematch with Sonny Liston in Lewiston, Maine. Ali won the fight by knockout in the first round, but the bout was controversial due to the "phantom punch" and the referee's handling of the knockdown.
November 22, 1965: Title Defense Against Floyd Patterson
On November 22, 1965, Muhammad Ali defended his title against former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson. Ali mocked Patterson before the fight, but ultimately won by a technical knockout after 12 rounds.
March 1966: Ali Refuses Armed Forces Induction
In March 1966, Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the armed forces, leading to the systematic denial of his boxing license and passport.
1966: Ali vs Chuvalo Fight
In 1966, Ali's fight against George Chuvalo was the subject of the 2003 documentary film The Last Round: Chuvalo vs. Ali.
1966: Pledge to Donate to the UNCF
In late 1966, Muhammad Ali pledged to donate a total of $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (specifically promising to donate much of the proceeds of his title defense against Cleveland Williams) and paid $4,500 per closed circuit installation at six HBCUs so they could watch his fights.
February 6, 1967: Ali vs. Terrell Fight
On February 6, 1967, Muhammad Ali fought Ernie Terrell in Houston. During the lead up to the bout, Terrell repeatedly called Ali "Clay", which annoyed Ali. Ali won a unanimous 15-round decision in a fight that critics described as "one of the ugliest boxing fights".
March 1967: Ali Denied Boxing License and Passport
In March 1967, Ali was systematically denied a boxing license in every state and stripped of his passport as a result of his refusal to be inducted into the armed forces.
1967: Donation to the United Negro College Fund
In 1967, Muhammad Ali became the largest single black donor to the United Negro College Fund by way of a $10,000 donation ($78,000 in 2020 USD).
1968: Influence on Black Poetic Tradition
In 1968, Muhammad Ali's use of rhyme schemes and spoken word poetry in boxing and activism played a role in shaping the black poetic tradition, paving the way for The Last Poets.
1969: Ali Films Fantasy Fight Against Rocky Marciano
In 1969, Muhammad Ali, while banned from sanctioned bouts, settled a lawsuit by appearing in a privately staged fantasy fight against Rocky Marciano, which was filmed for approximately 75 one-minute rounds.
1969: Starring in "Buck White"
In 1969, during his exile from boxing, Muhammad Ali starred in the short-lived Broadway musical, "Buck White".
August 11, 1970: Ali Granted Boxing License by Atlanta
On August 11, 1970, with his case still in appeal, Muhammad Ali was granted a license to box by the City of Atlanta Athletic Commission due to local political influence.
October 1970: End of Ali's Boxing Hiatus
Muhammad Ali did not fight from March 1967 to October 1970 due to being denied a boxing license and passport because he refused to be inducted into the armed forces. His conviction was overturned in 1971.
1970: Fight purse earnings
Between 1970 and 1978, Muhammad Ali grossed an estimated $47.45 million from his fight purse earnings.
1970: Ali Honored with Martin Luther King Award
In 1970, Muhammad Ali was honored with the annual Martin Luther King Award by Ralph Abernathy, who recognized him as a "living example of soul power."
1970: Influence on Black Poetic Tradition for Gil Scott-Heron
In 1970, Muhammad Ali's use of rhyme schemes and spoken word poetry in boxing and activism played a role in shaping the black poetic tradition, paving the way for Gil Scott-Heron.
1970: Fantasy Fight Shown in Movie Theaters
In 1970, edited versions of the filmed sparring between Muhammad Ali and Rocky Marciano were shown in movie theaters, with different simulated outcomes for the U.S. and European versions.
March 8, 1971: Ali vs. Frazier "Fight of the Century"
On March 8, 1971, Muhammad Ali's first fight against Joe Frazier, held at Madison Square Garden while his Supreme Court appeal was pending, was nicknamed the "Fight of the Century" due to the excitement surrounding the undefeated fighters.
1971: Ali Begins Training in Pennsylvania
In 1971, Muhammad Ali began training at a farm near Reading, Pennsylvania.
1971: Ali's Conviction Overturned
In 1971, Muhammad Ali's conviction for refusing to be inducted into the armed forces was overturned.
1971: Wilt Chamberlain Challenges Ali to a Fight
In 1971, basketball star Wilt Chamberlain challenged Muhammad Ali to a fight, but Ali influenced Chamberlain to call off the bout by taunting him during an interview.
1972: Appearance in "Black Rodeo"
In 1972, Muhammad Ali appeared in the documentary film "Black Rodeo", riding both a horse and a bull.
1972: Ali Establishes Training Camp in Deer Lake
In 1972, Muhammad Ali established his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, where he trained for his fights until the end of his career.
1972: Ali Wins Six Fights in 1972
In 1972, after fighting Ellis, Muhammad Ali won a total of six fights against Jerry Quarry, Floyd Patterson, and Bob Foster.
1973: Ali Wears "People's Choice" Robe Gifted by Elvis
In 1973, during two bouts, Muhammad Ali wore a "People's Choice" robe given to him by Elvis Presley.
January 28, 1974: Ali Rematch with Frazier
On January 28, 1974, Ali had a rematch with Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden after Frazier had lost his title to George Foreman.
October 30, 1974: The Rumble in the Jungle
On October 30, 1974, the defeat of Frazier set the stage for a title fight between Ali and heavyweight champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, a bout nicknamed "The Rumble in the Jungle."
1974: Peak Television Viewership
Between 1974 and 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were some of the world's most-watched television broadcasts, drawing an estimated 1–2 billion viewers worldwide.
1974: Viewership of Ali's fights
Between 1974 and 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were watched by an estimated 1–2 billion viewers, showcasing his global appeal and impact as a world champion boxer.
1974: Visit to Palestinian Refugee Camp
In 1974, Muhammad Ali visited a Palestinian refugee camp in Southern Lebanon, declaring "support for the Palestinian struggle to liberate their homeland" and that the "United States is the stronghold of Zionism and imperialism."
October 1, 1975: Thrilla in Manila
On October 1, 1975, Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier in Manila in a bout known as the "Thrilla in Manila". Despite early aggression from Ali, Frazier relentlessly attacked, leading to a grueling fight. Ali used the "rope-a-dope" strategy, absorbing punishment but also landing effective counterpunches. By the later rounds, Frazier's vision was impaired, and Ali dominated until Frazier's trainer stopped the fight after the 14th round.
1975: Publication of "The Greatest: My Own Story"
In 1975, Muhammad Ali's autobiography "The Greatest: My Own Story", co-written with Richard Durham, was published.
February 2, 1976: Ali vs. Jean-Pierre Coopman
On February 2, 1976, Muhammad Ali defeated Jean-Pierre Coopman by a 5th round knockout. The WBC Heavyweight title was not at stake during this fight.
April 30, 1976: Ali vs. Jimmy Young
On April 30, 1976, Muhammad Ali fought Jimmy Young and won by a controversial unanimous decision. Ali admitted he was getting old and preserving his energy.
May 24, 1976: Ali vs. Richard Dunn
On May 24, 1976, Muhammad Ali defeated Richard Dunn by a 5th round technical knockout using a punch taught by Taekwondo Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee called the "Accupunch". This was the last time in Ali's boxing career he knocked an opponent out.
June 1, 1976: Confrontation with Gorilla Monsoon
On June 1, 1976, Muhammad Ali confronted professional wrestler Gorilla Monsoon in the ring at a World Wide Wrestling Federation show in Philadelphia Arena. Monsoon put Ali in an airplane spin and dumped him to the mat before Ali walked away.
June 26, 1976: Ali vs. Inoki
On June 26, 1976, Muhammad Ali participated in an exhibition bout in Tokyo against Antonio Inoki. The match resulted in a draw and was criticized for causing Ali health problems, but is now considered influential in the development of MMA.
September 1976: Ali vs. Norton III
In September 1976, Muhammad Ali fought Ken Norton for the third time at Yankee Stadium, winning by a controversial decision. He subsequently announced his retirement from boxing to practice his faith.
1976: Ali's bout with Antonio Inoki
In 1976, Muhammad Ali had a bout with Antonio Inoki. In 1995, Ali led a group of Japanese and American professional wrestlers, including his 1976 opponent Antonio Inoki and Ric Flair, on a sports diplomacy mission to North Korea.
1976: Grammy Nomination for "The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay"
In 1976, Muhammad Ali received a second Grammy nomination for "Best Recording for Children" with his spoken word novelty record, "The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay".
1976: Release of "The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay"
In 1976, Muhammad Ali released his second studio album, "The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay". The album received a Grammy Award nomination, further highlighting Ali's success as a spoken word artist.
May 1977: Ali Beats Evangelista
In May 1977, Muhammad Ali returned to boxing and beat Alfredo Evangelista.
1977: Release of "The Greatest" Film
In 1977, Muhammad Ali's book "The Greatest: My Own Story" was adapted into a film called "The Greatest", in which Ali played himself and Ernest Borgnine played Angelo Dundee.
1977: Ali Starts Painting
In 1977, Rodney Hilton Brown, who owned an art gallery in NYC, asked Muhammad Ali if he was interested in painting. Ali took him up on the offer and produced several paintings for him to sell.
1978: Fight purse earnings
By 1978, Muhammad Ali's total fight purse earnings were estimated to be nearly $60 million (inflation-adjusted $391 million).
1978: Starring in "Freedom Road"
In 1978, Muhammad Ali starred in "Freedom Road" as Gideon Jackson, a former slave and Union soldier in 1870s Virginia who gets elected to the U.S. Senate.
1978: Visit to Bangladesh and Participation in The Longest Walk
In 1978, Muhammad Ali visited Bangladesh and received honorary citizenship there. The same year, he participated in The Longest Walk, a protest march in the United States in support of Native American rights, along with Stevie Wonder and Marlon Brando.
July 27, 1979: Ali Announces Short-Lived Retirement
On July 27, 1979, Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing, but it was short-lived due to his financial needs, leading to a comeback fight against Larry Holmes.
1979: Ali vs Alzado
In 1979, Muhammad Ali fought an exhibition match against NFL player Lyle Alzado. The fight went 8 rounds and was declared a draw.
July 31, 1980: Ali Cleared to Fight
On July 31, 1980, the Nevada Athletic Commission accepted the Mayo Clinic's opinion that Muhammad Ali was fit to fight, paving the way for his return to the ring after he struggled with vocal stutters and trembling hands.
October 2, 1980: Ali vs. Holmes
On October 2, 1980, Muhammad Ali fought Larry Holmes at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Holmes dominated Ali, and after the tenth round, the fight was stopped, marking Ali's only loss by stoppage.
1980: Peak Television Viewership
Between 1974 and 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were some of the world's most-watched television broadcasts, drawing an estimated 1–2 billion viewers worldwide.
1980: Viewership of Ali's fights
Between 1974 and 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were watched by an estimated 1–2 billion viewers, showcasing his global appeal and impact as a world champion boxer.
1980: Estimated fight purse earnings
By 1980, Muhammad Ali's total fight purse earnings were estimated to be up to $70 million (inflation-adjusted $339 million).
1980: Diplomatic Mission to Africa
In early 1980, Muhammad Ali was recruited by President Jimmy Carter for a diplomatic mission to Africa to persuade African governments to join the US-led boycott of the Moscow Olympics in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Ali convinced the government of Kenya to boycott the Soviet Olympics.
January 19, 1981: Talking a Suicidal Man Down
On January 19, 1981, in Los Angeles, Muhammad Ali talked a suicidal man down from jumping off a ninth-floor ledge, an event that made national news.
December 11, 1981: Ali vs. Berbick
On December 11, 1981, Muhammad Ali fought Trevor Berbick in Nassau, Bahamas, losing a ten-round decision. This was Ali's last fight.
1981: Retirement from Boxing
In 1981, Muhammad Ali retired from professional boxing. After retiring, he focused on religion, philanthropy, and activism.
1981: End of Ali's Career at Deer Lake Camp
Muhammad Ali trained for all his fights from 1972 to the end of his career in 1981 at his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania.
June 12, 1983: Ali vs Semenko
On June 12, 1983, Muhammad Ali fought NHL player Dave Semenko in an exhibition. The match was officially a draw after three rounds, with reports suggesting Ali was not seriously trying.
March 31, 1985: Guest Referee at WrestleMania I
On March 31, 1985, Muhammad Ali was the special guest referee for the main event of the inaugural WrestleMania event.
1985: Visit to Israel
In 1985, Muhammad Ali visited Israel to request the release of Muslim prisoners at Atlit detainee camp, which Israel declined.
1987: California Bicentennial Foundation Selection
Around 1987, the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution selected Ali to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
1989: Participation in Indian charity event
In 1989, Muhammad Ali participated in an Indian charity event with the Muslim Educational Society in Kozhikode, Kerala, along with Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar.
1990: Named one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th century
In 1990, Ali was recognized by Life magazine as one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th century, highlighting his significant impact and cultural relevance.
1990: Negotiating release of American hostages in Iraq
In 1990, Muhammad Ali traveled to Iraq before the Gulf War and met with president Saddam Hussein, successfully negotiating the release of American hostages. He promised to bring America an "honest account" of Iraq in exchange for the hostages' release. He subsequently received criticism for this action.
1992: Lonnie Incorporates G.O.A.T. Inc.
In 1992, Lonnie Williams incorporated Greatest of All Time, Inc. (G.O.A.T. Inc) to manage Muhammad Ali's intellectual property for commercial use.
1994: Campaigning for aid to Rwandan refugees
In 1994, Muhammad Ali campaigned to the United States government to come to the aid of refugees afflicted by the Rwandan genocide, and to donate to organizations helping Rwandan refugees.
1995: Sports Diplomacy Mission to North Korea
In 1995, Muhammad Ali led a group of Japanese and American professional wrestlers, including Antonio Inoki and Ric Flair, on a sports diplomacy mission to North Korea and was guest of honor at the Collision in Korea wrestling event.
1998: Collaboration with Michael J. Fox
In 1998, Muhammad Ali began working with actor Michael J. Fox, who also has Parkinson's disease, to raise awareness and fund research for a cure.
1999: Named in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century
In 1999, Ali was named in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century, alongside Pelé and Jackie Robinson, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure.
1999: Introduction of Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act
In 1999, The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was introduced.
2000: Collaboration with Michael J. Fox Foundation
In 2000, Muhammad Ali worked with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to raise awareness and encourage donations for research.
2000: Passing of Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act
In 2000, The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act passed, to protect the rights and welfare of boxers in the United States.
2001: Response to 9/11 Attacks
In 2001, after the September 11 attacks, Muhammad Ali stated that "Islam is a religion of peace" and "does not promote terrorism or killing people", condemning the actions of extremist groups.
November 17, 2002: U.N. Messenger of Peace visit to Afghanistan
On November 17, 2002, Muhammad Ali traveled to Afghanistan as the "U.N. Messenger of Peace" for a three-day goodwill mission in Kabul as a special guest of the UN.
2002: Joint appearance before Congress
In 2002, Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox made a joint appearance before Congress to push for Parkinson's research.
November 2005: Opening of the Muhammad Ali Center
In November 2005, Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali opened the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville. The center focuses on peace, social responsibility, respect, and personal growth, and displays his boxing memorabilia.
December 2005: Otto Hahn Peace Medal in Gold
In December 2005, Muhammad Ali received the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in Gold from the UN Association of Germany (DGVN) in Berlin for his work with the civil rights movement and the United Nations.
2006: Sale of G.O.A.T. Inc.
In 2006, Greatest of All Time, Inc. (G.O.A.T. Inc), which Lonnie Williams incorporated, was sold.
November 2015: Paris Attacks
The November 2015 Paris attacks occurred. The attacks prompted Muhammad Ali to release a statement in December condemning the ruthless violence of so-called Islamic jihadists and calling for Muslims to stand up to those who use Islam to advance their agendas.
December 2015: Response to the Paris Attacks
In December 2015, after the November 2015 Paris attacks, Muhammad Ali stated that "True Muslims know that the ruthless violence of so-called Islamic jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion" and that Muslims must stand up to those who use Islam to advance their agendas.
May 2016: Bill introduced to extend Ali Act
In May 2016, a bill was introduced to United States Congress by Markwayne Mullin, a politician and former MMA fighter, to extend the Ali Act to mixed martial arts.
June 2016: Proposal to eliminate Selective Service System
In June 2016, US senator Rand Paul proposed an amendment to the US draft laws named after Ali, a proposal to eliminate the Selective Service System.
2016: Bob Arum Reflects on Ali's Impact
In 2016, Ali's promoter Bob Arum stated that Ali's impact on the world far surpassed his boxing exploits and acknowledged that Ali was right to stand up for what he believed in, even though Arum didn't support his choice at the time.
2016: Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor Created
In 2016, The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences created the Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor, which is presented at its annual Voice Arts Awards. The award was created in collaboration with the Muhammad Ali Center.
2020: Value of 1967 Donation in 2020 USD
In 1967, Muhammad Ali made a $10,000 donation to the United Negro College Fund. In 2020, the value of that donation would be $78,000 USD.
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