Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Muhammad Ali

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Muhammad Ali.

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

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.

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.

January 10, 1966: Ali and Sonji Roi Divorced

On January 10, 1966, Muhammad Ali and Sonji Roi divorced due to disagreements over her refusal to join the Nation of Islam and her lifestyle.

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.

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.

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.

1971: FBI Burglary Exploits Ali Fight

In 1971, an activist group exploited the anticipation of Ali's Fight of the Century with Frazier to burgle an FBI office in Pennsylvania, exposing the COINTELPRO operations that included illegal spying on activists and Ali himself.

1973: Extramarital Relationship with Wanda Bolton

In 1973, Muhammad Ali began an extramarital relationship with 16-year-old Wanda Bolton (who subsequently changed her name to Aaisha Ali).

1974: Visited Palestinian Refugee Camp

In 1974, Muhammad Ali visited a Palestinian refugee camp in Southern Lebanon, where he declared support for the Palestinian struggle and that the United States is the stronghold of Zionism and imperialism.

1975: Autobiography Recalls Medal Incident

In his 1975 autobiography, Muhammad Ali recalled throwing his 1960 Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a "whites-only" restaurant. The story was later disputed.

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: 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

1977: Osmon Williams Born

In 1977, Osmon Williams was born. His mother, Temica Williams, claimed Muhammad Ali was the father.

1978: Ali's View on Women's Boxing

In 1978, Muhammad Ali stated his opposition to women's boxing due to physical concerns.

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.

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: Supported Ronald Reagan

In 1984, Muhammad Ali announced his support for the re-election of United States President Ronald Reagan, stating "He's keeping God in schools and that's enough."

January 1985: Aaisha Ali Sued Ali for Palimony

In January 1985, Aaisha Ali sued Muhammad Ali for unpaid palimony, which was settled with Ali setting up a $200,000 trust fund for their daughter, Khaliah.

1986: Ali and Veronica Porché Divorced

In 1986, Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porché divorced due to Ali's continuous infidelity.

1986: Lawsuit Dismissed

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

2010: Osmon Williams Claims to be Ali's Son

In 2010, Osmon Williams claimed to be Muhammad Ali's biological son.

August 2013: The Trials of Muhammad Ali opened in Manhattan

In August 2013, The Trials of Muhammad Ali, a documentary about Ali's refusal of the draft, opened in Manhattan. A 2013 made-for-TV movie titled Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight dramatized the same aspect of Ali's life.

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June 2016: Proposal to eliminate the Selective Service System

In June 2016, US senator Rand Paul proposed an amendment to the US draft laws named after Muhammad Ali, a proposal to eliminate the Selective Service System.