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, nicknamed "The Greatest," was an iconic American professional boxer and social activist, widely considered the greatest heavyweight boxer ever. He held multiple titles, including the Ring magazine heavyweight title (1964-1970), undisputed champion (1974-1978), and WBA and Ring heavyweight champion (1978-1979). His impact 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: Impact of Emmett Till Murder

In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till deeply affected the young Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali. He expressed immense distress over the event, which highlighted the racial injustice of the time.

1962: Ali listed as 1-A for Conscription

In 1962, Muhammad Ali was listed as 1-A for conscription in the United States military after registering on his 18th birthday.

March 13, 1963: Fight of the Year vs. Doug Jones

On March 13, 1963, Cassius Clay fought Doug Jones at Madison Square Garden in New York. Jones staggered Clay in the first round, and Clay's unanimous decision victory was met with boos. The Ring magazine later named the fight "Fight of the Year."

1964: Ali reclassified as Class 1-Y

In 1964, Muhammad Ali was reclassified as Class 1-Y (fit for service only in times of national emergency) after failing the U.S. Armed Forces qualifying test due to his dyslexia.

March 1966: Ali Refuses Armed Forces Induction

In March 1966, Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the armed forces.

March 29, 1966: Fight Sanction Refused

Muhammad Ali and Ernie Terrell had agreed to a fight on March 29, 1966, in Chicago. However, after Ali was reclassified by the draft board and indicated he would refuse to serve in the Vietnam War, the Illinois Athletic Commission refused to sanction the fight.

1966: Ali Declares Refusal to Serve in Army

In 1966, upon being notified of his 1-A status, Muhammad Ali declared he would refuse to serve in the army, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War.

1966: Ali reclassified as 1-A again

In early 1966, the army lowered its standards, and Muhammad Ali was again classified as 1-A, making him eligible for the draft into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

February 6, 1967: Ali vs. Terrell Fight

On February 6, 1967, Muhammad Ali fought Ernie Terrell in Houston. Terrell, considered Ali's toughest opponent since Liston, was unbeaten in five years. Ali won a unanimous 15-round decision in a fight marked by Ali's taunting of Terrell.

March 1967: Ali Denied Boxing License and Stripped of Passport

In March 1967, Muhammad Ali was systematically denied a boxing license in every state and stripped of his passport.

April 28, 1967: Ali Refuses Induction into U.S. Armed Forces

On April 28, 1967, in Houston, Muhammad Ali refused three times to step forward for his scheduled induction into the U.S. Armed Forces and was arrested, leading to the suspension of his boxing license and stripping of his title.

June 20, 1967: Ali Found Guilty of Draft Evasion

On June 20, 1967, Muhammad Ali was found guilty by a jury of 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.

1971: Ali's Case Reviewed by U.S. Supreme Court

In 1971, The U.S. Supreme Court reviewed Muhammad Ali's case after the Court of Appeals upheld the conviction.

October 30, 1974: The Rumble in the Jungle

On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali fought against heavyweight champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, in a bout nicknamed The Rumble in the Jungle. At the time, almost no one gave Ali a chance of winning.

October 1, 1975: Thrilla in Manila

On October 1, 1975, Ali fought Joe Frazier in the "Thrilla in Manila". Ali started aggressively but tired, employing the "rope-a-dope" strategy. Frazier attacked relentlessly, but Ali landed blows in the 12th round, impairing Frazier's vision. Ali dominated rounds 13 and 14. Frazier's trainer stopped the fight after the 14th round, awarding Ali a TKO victory.

April 30, 1976: Ali Wins Against Young

On April 30, 1976, Ali fought Jimmy Young and won a controversial unanimous decision. Howard Cosell commented on Ali's off timing, and Ali admitted to conserving energy for Ken Norton.

June 26, 1976: Ali vs. Inoki Exhibition Bout

On June 26, 1976, Ali participated in an exhibition bout in Tokyo against Antonio Inoki. Due to restricted rules, Ali only landed two jabs while Inoki's kicks caused blood clots and an infection, almost resulting in amputation of Ali's leg. The match was declared a draw and is now considered an influential mixed-style fight.

February 1978: Ali Loses to Spinks

In February 1978, 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: Revealed financial status and net worth estimate

In 1978, 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). The press attributed his decline in wealth to several factors, including taxes consuming at least half of his income, management taking a third of his income, his lifestyle, and spending on family, charity and religious causes.

October 2, 1980: Ali Fights Holmes

On October 2, 1980, Muhammad Ali fought Larry Holmes at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Holmes dominated the fight, and Angelo Dundee stopped it after the tenth round. It was Ali's only loss by stoppage.

December 11, 1981: Ali's Last Fight

Despite pleas to retire, on December 11, 1981, Ali fought Trevor Berbick in Nassau, Bahamas, losing a ten-round decision. This was his final fight.

1981: $3 Million Lawsuit

In 1981, Temica Williams (also known as Rebecca Holloway) launched a $3 million lawsuit against Ali for sexual assault, claiming that she had started a sexual relationship with him when she was 12, and that her son Osmon (born 1977) was fathered by Ali when she was 17. She further alleged that Ali had originally supported her and her son financially, but stopped doing so after four years.

1984: Diagnosed with Parkinson's Syndrome

In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome, sometimes resulting from head trauma from violent physical activities such as boxing.

1986: Lawsuit Thrown Out

In 1986, the $3 million lawsuit filed against Ali by Temica Williams in 1981 was thrown out due to the statute of limitations.

February 2013: Rumors of failing health and death

In February 2013, 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: Hospitalized for pneumonia

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

January 15, 2015: Hospitalized for urinary tract infection

On January 15, 2015, 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: Hospitalized with a respiratory illness

On June 2, 2016, Ali was hospitalized in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a respiratory illness. His condition worsened, and he died the following day at the age of 74 from septic shock.