Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Muhammad Ali
How Muhammad Ali built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Muhammad Ali, an American professional boxer and social activist, is widely considered the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Known as "The Greatest", he held multiple heavyweight titles, including the Ring magazine title (1964-1970), was the undisputed champion (1974-1978), and held the WBA and Ring titles (1978-1979). His influence extended beyond boxing, making him a global cultural icon. He was named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC in 1999.
1954: Amateur Boxing Debut
In 1954, Cassius Clay made his amateur boxing debut against Ronnie O'Keefe and won by split decision, beginning his journey in the sport.
1959: First Heard of Nation of Islam
In 1959, Muhammad Ali said he first heard of the Nation of Islam while fighting in the Golden Gloves tournament in Chicago.
October 29, 1960: Professional Boxing Debut
On October 29, 1960, Cassius Clay made his professional boxing debut, winning a six-round decision over Tunney Hunsaker, marking the start of his professional career.
1960: Departure from Moore's Camp
In 1960, Cassius Clay left Archie Moore's camp and hired Angelo Dundee as his trainer, marking a change in his training setup. Clay had met Dundee in February 1957 during his amateur career.
1960: Olympic Gold Medal
In 1960, Cassius Clay won the light heavyweight gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Rome. It was later recalled in his 1975 autobiography that he threw his gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a "whites-only" restaurant.
1960: Olympic Gold and Turning Professional
In 1960, at the age of 18, Cassius Clay won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Summer Olympics. Later that year, he transitioned into professional boxing, marking the beginning of his iconic career.
1962: Beating Archie Moore
In 1962, Clay beat his former trainer and veteran boxer Archie Moore in a match, further solidifying his reputation in the boxing community.
1962: Cameo Role in Requiem for a Heavyweight
In 1962, Muhammad Ali had a cameo role in the film version of "Requiem for a Heavyweight".
March 13, 1963: Fight of the Year
On March 13, 1963, Cassius Clay fought Doug Jones at Madison Square Garden. Despite Jones staggering Clay, Clay won by unanimous decision, a decision that was not well-received by the crowd. The fight was later named "Fight of the Year" by The Ring magazine.
1963: Top Contender for Liston's Title
By late 1963, Cassius Clay had emerged as the top contender for Sonny Liston's heavyweight title. This led to a fight being scheduled for February 25, 1964, in Miami Beach.
1963: Winning Streak Until 1963
From his debut until the end of 1963, Cassius Clay amassed a record of 19-0 with 15 wins by knockout, defeating boxers including Tony Esperti and Henry Cooper, establishing himself as a rising star in the boxing world.
1963: First Sports Illustrated cover
In 1963, Muhammad Ali first appeared on the magazine's cover of Sports Illustrated.
1963: Released I Am the Greatest Album
In 1963, Muhammad Ali released an album of spoken word music on Columbia Records titled "I Am the Greatest".
February 25, 1964: World Heavyweight Champion Title
On February 25, 1964, at the age of 22, Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston in a significant upset to win the world heavyweight championship. He also denounced his birth name as a "slave name" and formally changed his name to Muhammad Ali during that year.
1964: Joined Nation of Islam
In 1964, After winning the championship from Liston, The Nation of Islam agreed to publicize Ali's membership. Shortly afterwards on March 6, Elijah Muhammad gave a radio address that Clay would be renamed Muhammad (one who is worthy of praise) Ali (most high).
1964: Recorded Stand by Me Cover
In 1964, Muhammad Ali recorded a cover version of the rhythm and blues song "Stand by Me".
May 1965: Rematch with Liston
In May 1965, Muhammad Ali faced Sonny Liston in a controversial rematch in Lewiston, Maine. Ali won by knockout in the first round due to a disputed "phantom punch".
November 22, 1965: Title Defense Against Floyd Patterson
On November 22, 1965, Muhammad Ali defended his title against Floyd Patterson, winning by technical knockout after 12 rounds. Ali mocked Patterson before the match. Patterson appeared injured during the fight, and Ali was criticized for seemingly toying with him.
1966: Fight against George Chuvalo
In 1966, Muhammad Ali's fight against George Chuvalo occurred.
1966: Pledge to UNCF
In late 1966, Muhammad Ali pledged to donate a total of $100,000 to the UNCF 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. Terrell, known for his size and strength, repeatedly called Ali "Clay", which angered Ali. Ali won by unanimous decision in a 15-round fight, but the fight was criticized for Ali's apparent intent to prolong the fight and inflict maximum punishment on Terrell. Terrell claimed Ali thumbed him in the eye, but Ali denied any cruelty.
March 1967: Ali's Boxing License Denied
As a result of refusing induction into the armed forces, In March 1967, Ali was denied a boxing license in every state and stripped of his passport.
1967: Donation to United Negro College Fund
In 1967, Muhammad Ali became the largest single black donor to the United Negro College Fund with a $10,000 donation ($78,000 in 2020 USD).
1968: Paving the way for The Last Poets
In 1968, Muhammad Ali played a role in the shaping of the black poetic tradition, paving the way for The Last Poets.
1969: Starred in Buck White
In 1969, Muhammad Ali starred in the Broadway musical, "Buck White".
1969: Filmed Sparring for Fantasy Fight
In 1969, Muhammad Ali was filmed sparring with Rocky Marciano for a privately staged fantasy fight.
August 11, 1970: Granted Boxing License by Atlanta
On August 11, 1970, Muhammad Ali was granted a license to box by the City of Atlanta Athletic Commission, paving the way for his comeback.
October 1970: Ali's Boxing Ban Ends
Muhammad Ali's ban from boxing ended in October 1970, after being sidelined since March 1967 due to his refusal to be inducted into the armed forces.
1970: Gross earnings between 1970 and 1978
By 1970, Muhammad Ali's total fight purse earnings were estimated to be nearly $47.45 million grossed between 1970 and 1978.
1970: Paving the way for Gil Scott-Heron
In 1970, Muhammad Ali played a role in the shaping of the black poetic tradition, paving the way for Gil Scott-Heron.
1970: Fantasy Fight Shown in Theaters
In 1970, edited versions of the fantasy fight between Muhammad Ali and Rocky Marciano were shown in movie theaters, with different outcomes in the U.S. and European versions.
March 8, 1971: First Fight against Frazier
On March 8, 1971, Muhammad Ali's first fight against Joe Frazier, dubbed the "Fight of the Century", took place at Madison Square Garden while Ali's Supreme Court appeal was pending.
1971: Began Training at a Farm
In 1971, Muhammad Ali began training at a farm near Reading, Pennsylvania.
1971: Chamberlain Fight Called Off
In 1971, Muhammad Ali influenced Wilt Chamberlain to call off a scheduled boxing match by taunting him, leading Chamberlain to abandon "this boxing foolishness" due to a contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.
1971: Case Reviewed by U.S. Supreme Court
In 1971, Muhammad Ali's case was reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court after a Court of Appeals upheld his conviction.
1971: Conviction Overturned and Boxing Career Resumed
In 1971, Muhammad Ali's conviction was overturned allowing him to fully resume his boxing career after being banned for refusing to be inducted into the armed forces.
1972: Trained at Deer Lake Camp
From 1972, Muhammad Ali trained for all his fights at his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania.
1972: Second Fight with Patterson
In 1972, Ali arranged a second fight with the financially struggling Patterson to help him earn money to pay a debt to the IRS.
1972: Appeared in Black Rodeo
In 1972, Muhammad Ali appeared in the documentary film "Black Rodeo", where he rode both a horse and a bull.
1972: Won Six Fights
In 1972, after the Ellis fight, Muhammad Ali won a total of six fights.
1973: Wore "People's Choice" Robe
During two bouts he had in 1973 with Joe Bugner and Ken Norton, Muhammad Ali wore a "People's Choice" robe given to him by Elvis Presley.
January 28, 1974: Rematch with Joe Frazier
On January 28, 1974, Muhammad Ali had a rematch with Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden, after Frazier had recently lost his title to George Foreman.
October 30, 1974: The Rumble in the Jungle
On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, in a bout nicknamed "The Rumble in the Jungle."
1974: Most Watched Television Broadcasts
From 1974 to 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were some of the world's most-watched television broadcasts. His most-watched fights drew an estimated 1–2 billion viewers worldwide and were the world's most-watched live television broadcasts at the time.
1974: Viewed by billions in fights
In 1974, Muhammad Ali's fights were watched by an estimated 1-2 billion viewers.
October 1, 1975: Thrilla in Manila
On October 1, 1975, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought in the "Thrilla in Manila." Ali started aggressively but then used the "rope-a-dope" strategy, absorbing punishment. Ali dominated the later rounds, and Frazier's trainer stopped the fight after the 14th round due to Frazier's injuries. Ali won by TKO but was also exhausted.
1975: Published Autobiography
In 1975, Muhammad Ali's autobiography "The Greatest: My Own Story", written with Richard Durham, was published.
February 2, 1976: Ali defeated 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 in this match.
April 30, 1976: Ali defeated Jimmy Young
On April 30, 1976, Muhammad Ali won a controversial unanimous decision against Jimmy Young. Ali acknowledged feeling old and saving energy for a future fight.
May 24, 1976: Ali defeated 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 knockout win of Ali's career.
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 after a match.
June 26, 1976: Ali vs. Antonio Inoki
On June 26, 1976, Muhammad Ali participated in an exhibition bout in Tokyo against Japanese professional wrestler Antonio Inoki. The match, which was not scripted and had restricted rules, ended in a draw and caused Ali health issues later.
September 1976: Third Fight Against Ken Norton
In September 1976, Muhammad Ali fought Ken Norton for the third time at Yankee Stadium. Ali won by a controversial decision. After the fight, Ali announced his retirement from boxing to focus on his Sunni Islam faith, following a split from the Nation of Islam.
1976: Grammy Nomination for Children's Recording
In 1976, Muhammad Ali received a 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.
1976: Opponent Antonio Inoki
Muhammad Ali's 1995 group included his 1976 opponent Antonio Inoki
May 1977: Ali beat Alfredo Evangelista
In May 1977, Muhammad Ali defeated Alfredo Evangelista.
1977: Plans After Retirement
In 1977, Muhammad Ali said that after he retired, he would dedicate the rest of his life to helping people, charitable causes, uniting people and helping to make peace.
1977: The Greatest Film Adaptation
In 1977, Muhammad Ali's book was adapted into a film called "The Greatest", in which Ali played himself and Ernest Borgnine played Angelo Dundee.
1977: Asked to Paint
In 1977, Rodney Hilton Brown, who owned an art gallery in NYC, asked Ali if he was interested in painting. Ali took him up on the offer and produced several paintings for him to sell.
1978: Total fight purse earnings
By 1978, Muhammad Ali's total fight purse earnings were estimated to be nearly $60 million (inflation-adjusted $391 million).
1978: Ali revealed that he was "broke"
In 1978, Muhammad Ali revealed that he was "broke" and several news outlets reported his net worth to be an estimated $3.5 million (inflation-adjusted $17 million).
1978: Starred in Freedom Road
In 1978, Muhammad Ali starred in the film "Freedom Road" as Gideon Jackson, a former slave and Union soldier who gets elected to the U.S. Senate.
1978: Visited Bangladesh and Participated in The Longest Walk
In 1978, Muhammad Ali visited Bangladesh and received honorary citizenship. He also participated in The Longest Walk, a protest march in the United States in support of Native American rights.
July 27, 1979: Ali announced his retirement
On July 27, 1979, Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing. However, the retirement was short-lived due to financial reasons; he planned a comeback to fight Larry Holmes.
July 31, 1980: Ali cleared to fight again
On July 31, 1980, the Nevada Athletic Commission accepted the Mayo Clinic's opinion and cleared Muhammad Ali to fight again after he had started struggling with vocal stutters and trembling hands.
October 2, 1980: Ali fought Holmes
On October 2, 1980, Muhammad Ali fought Larry Holmes at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Holmes dominated the fight, and Ali's corner stopped the fight after the tenth round, marking Ali's only loss by stoppage.
1980: Total 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: Most Watched Television Broadcasts
From 1974 to 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were some of the world's most-watched television broadcasts. His most-watched fights drew an estimated 1–2 billion viewers worldwide and were the world's most-watched live television broadcasts at the time.
1980: Viewed by billions in fights
In 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were watched by an estimated 1-2 billion viewers.
January 19, 1981: Talked Man Down from Ledge
On January 19, 1981, in Los Angeles, Muhammad Ali talked a suicidal man down from jumping off a ninth-floor ledge.
December 11, 1981: Ali Fought Trevor Berbick
Despite pleas to retire, on December 11, 1981, Muhammad Ali fought Trevor Berbick in Nassau, Bahamas, losing a ten-round decision.
1981: End of Training at Deer Lake Camp
In 1981, Muhammad Ali ended his career, marking the end of his training at his Deer Lake camp, where he had trained since 1972.
1981: Retirement from Boxing
In 1981, Muhammad Ali retired from boxing, concluding his legendary career. He then focused on religion, philanthropy, and activism, transitioning to new phases of his life.
June 12, 1983: Ali Fought Dave Semenko
On June 12, 1983, Muhammad Ali fought NHL player Dave Semenko in an exhibition match that was officially declared a draw after three rounds. It was reported Ali was not seriously trying for most of the bout.
March 31, 1985: Special 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: Visited Israel to Request Release of Prisoners
In 1985, Muhammad Ali visited Israel to request the release of Muslim prisoners at Atlit detainee camp, which Israel declined.
1987: Selected to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution
Around 1987, the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution selected Muhammad 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
In 1990, Ali was named one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th century by Life magazine.
1990: Travel to Iraq and meeting with Saddam Hussein
In 1990, Muhammad Ali traveled to Iraq prior to the Gulf War and met with president Saddam Hussein in an attempt to negotiate the release of American hostages. Ali secured the release of the hostages, in exchange for promising Hussein that he would bring America "an honest account" of Iraq. Despite arranging the hostages' release, he received criticism from president George H. W. Bush, and Joseph C. Wilson.
1994: Campaign to aid 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 on a sports diplomacy mission to North Korea and was guest of honor at the record-breaking Collision in Korea wrestling event.
1998: Collaborating with Michael J. Fox to raise awareness for Parkinson's
In 1998, Muhammad Ali began working with actor Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson's disease, to raise awareness and fund research for a cure.
1999: One of Time magazine's 100 Most Important People
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.
1999: Laila Ali's Boxing Career Began
In 1999, Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, began her professional boxing career.
1999: Introduction of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act
In 1999, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was introduced in the United States.
2000: Working with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
In 2000, Muhammad Ali worked with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to raise awareness and encourage donations for research.
2000: Passage of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act
In 2000, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was passed to protect the rights and welfare of boxers in the United States.
November 17, 2002: Appointed as "U.N. Messenger of Peace" and visit to Afghanistan
On November 17, 2002, Muhammad Ali went to Afghanistan as the "U.N. Messenger of Peace". He was in Kabul for a three-day goodwill mission as a special guest of the UN.
2002: Joint appearance before Congress to push for Parkinson's research
In 2002, Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox made a joint appearance before Congress to push the case for Parkinson's research.
November 2005: Opening of the Muhammad Ali Center
In November 2005, Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali opened the $54 million non-profit Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville, focusing on themes of peace, social responsibility, respect, and personal growth.
December 2005: Recipient of the 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: Selling name and image
In 2006, Muhammad Ali sold his name and image for $50 million, after which Forbes estimated his net worth to be $55 million in 2006.
2007: Laila Ali Retired From Boxing
In 2007, Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, retired from professional boxing.
May 2016: Introduction of bill to extend the Ali Act to mixed martial arts
In May 2016, a bill was introduced to the United States Congress to extend the Ali Act to mixed martial arts.
2016: Creation of the Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor
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.
2020: Value of 1967 Donation in 2020 USD
In 1967, Muhammad Ali became the largest single black donor to the United Negro College Fund with a $10,000 donation ($78,000 in 2020 USD).
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