Challenges Faced by Muhammad Ali: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Muhammad Ali. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1955: Emmett Till's Murder

In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till deeply affected Cassius Clay. He and a friend vandalized a local rail yard to vent their frustration over the racial injustice.

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.

1964: Reclassified as Class 1-Y

In 1964, Ali was reclassified as Class 1-Y, making him fit for service only during national emergencies, due to his failure to meet the U.S. Armed Forces qualifying test standards because of sub-standard writing and spelling skills.

March 1966: Ali Refuses Armed Forces Induction

In March 1966, Muhammad Ali refused induction into the armed forces. He was systematically denied a boxing license in every state and stripped of his passport.

March 29, 1966: Bout Against Terrell Canceled

A bout between Muhammad Ali and Ernie Terrell was agreed for March 29, 1966, but the fight was cancelled after Ali's draft reclassification and his statement about the Viet Cong caused public outcry.

1966: Ali Declares Refusal to Serve

In 1966, upon being notified of his draft status, Muhammad Ali declared that he would refuse to serve in the U.S. Army, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War, stating he had no quarrel with the Vietcong.

1966: Reclassified as 1-A

In early 1966, due to lowered army standards, Ali was reclassified as 1-A, making him eligible for the draft into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

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.

April 28, 1967: Ali Refuses Induction

On April 28, 1967, in Houston, Muhammad Ali refused three times to step forward for induction into the U.S. Armed Forces, leading to his arrest for violating Selective Service laws.

June 20, 1967: Ali Found Guilty

On June 20, 1967, Muhammad Ali was found guilty by a jury after 21 minutes of deliberation for violating Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted.

1967: Refusal of Military Draft

In 1967, Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted into the military due to his religious beliefs and ethical opposition to the Vietnam War. Consequently, he was found guilty of draft evasion and stripped of his boxing titles, leading to a nearly four-year hiatus from fighting.

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.

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.

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.

1976: African boycott of the 1976 Olympics

Muhammad Ali's diplomatic mission to Africa to persuade African governments to join the US-led boycott of the Moscow Olympics was impacted by the African boycott of the 1976 Olympics

February 1978: Ali lost to Leon Spinks

In February 1978, Muhammad Ali faced Leon Spinks at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas and lost the title by split decision. Spinks had only seven professional fights prior.

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).

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: 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.

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: Lawsuit Against Ali

In 1981, Temica Williams launched a $3 million lawsuit against Ali for sexual assault. She claimed that she had a sexual relationship with him when she was 12 and that her son Osmon (born 1977) was fathered by Ali when she was 17.

1984: Diagnosis of Parkinson's Syndrome

In 1984, Muhammad Ali publicly disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson's syndrome. While some reports linked it to boxing-related injuries, he and his physicians disputed this connection.

1986: Lawsuit Dismissed

In 1986, the sexual assault lawsuit against Ali was thrown out due to the statute of limitations.

1988: Paternity Test

In 1988, Kiiursti Mensah-Ali claims a paternity test was conducted which indicated Muhammad Ali was her father.

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.

February 2013: Rumors of Ali's failing health

In February 2013, Muhammad Ali's brother Rahaman Ali said Muhammad could no longer speak and could be dead within days. Ali's daughter May May Ali responded to the rumors, stating that she had talked to him on the phone the morning of February 3 and he was fine.

December 20, 2014: Hospitalization for pneumonia

On December 20, 2014, Muhammad Ali was hospitalized for a mild case of pneumonia.

January 15, 2015: Hospitalization for urinary tract infection

On January 15, 2015, Muhammad Ali was hospitalized for a urinary tract infection after being found unresponsive at a guest house in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was released the next day.

June 2, 2016: Hospitalization for respiratory illness

On June 2, 2016, Muhammad Ali was hospitalized in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a respiratory illness. Though his condition was initially described as fair, it worsened.