Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Muhammad Ali

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

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.

Sections (7)

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

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.

March 29, 1966: Bout cancellation

Muhammad Ali and Ernie Terrell were scheduled to fight on March 29, 1966, but the bout was cancelled after Ali was reclassified by the Louisville draft board as 1-A and indicated that he would refuse to serve in the military. The Illinois Athletic Commission refused to sanction the fight, citing technicalities.

1966: Ali Declares Refusal to Serve in the Army

In 1966, upon being notified of his draft status, Muhammad Ali declared that he would refuse to serve in the army, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War, antagonizing the white establishment.

1966: Ali Again Classified as 1-A

In early 1966, the army lowered its standards, and 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. 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.

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

On April 28, 1967, Muhammad Ali refused three times to step forward for his scheduled induction into the U.S. Armed Forces in Houston, leading to his arrest and subsequent suspension from boxing.

June 4, 1967: "Cleveland Summit" Meeting

On June 4, 1967, a group of high-profile African-American athletes, including Jim Brown, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, assembled with Ali at the Negro Industrial Economic Union in Cleveland for the "Cleveland Summit" to question Ali about his convictions and ultimately support him.

June 20, 1967: Ali Found Guilty of Violating Selective Service Laws

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

1967: Refusal to be drafted and stripped of titles

In 1967, Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted into the military due to his religious beliefs and ethical opposition to the Vietnam War. As a result, he was found guilty of draft evasion and stripped of his boxing titles, leading to a temporary halt in his boxing career.

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.

June 28, 1971: Supreme Court Overturns Ali's Conviction

On June 28, 1971, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Muhammad Ali's conviction in Clay v. United States, citing that the appeal board gave no reason for denying his conscientious objector exemption.

1971: Ali's Fight of the Century Used for FBI Burglary

In 1971, Muhammad Ali's "Fight of the Century" with Joe Frazier was used by the Citizens' Commission to Investigate the FBI to pull off a burglary at an FBI office, exposing the COINTELPRO operations, including illegal spying on activists and on Ali himself.

1971: Ali's Conviction Overturned

In 1971, Muhammad Ali's conviction for refusing to be inducted into the armed forces was overturned.

1971: U.S. Supreme Court Reviews Ali's Case

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

1973: Extramarital Relationship Begins

In 1973, Muhammad Ali began an extramarital relationship with 18-year-old Wanda Bolton (Aaisha Fletcher), fathering a daughter named Khaliah with her.

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."

1974: Ali's Statements on Respect and War

In a 1974 interview, Ali stated that he would salute the flag out of respect while in the country and expressed his opposition to the Vietnam War, also noting the unequal treatment of black men in America.

1975: Autobiography Recalls Medal Incident

In his 1975 autobiography, Muhammad Ali recalled throwing his gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a "whites-only" restaurant shortly after returning from the Rome Olympics. However, the story was later disputed.

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.

1978: Ali's Opinion on Women's Boxing

In 1978, Muhammad Ali expressed his opposition to women's boxing, stating, "Women are not made to be hit in the breast, and face like that."

1981: Sexual Assault Lawsuit

In 1981, Temica Williams launched a $3 million lawsuit against Ali for sexual assault, claiming she had a relationship with him starting at age 12 and that her son Osmon (born in 1977) was fathered by Ali when she was 17. She alleged that Ali initially supported her and her son financially but stopped after four years.

1984: Support for 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: Palimony Suit Settled

In January 1985, Aaisha Fletcher sued Muhammad Ali for unpaid palimony. The case was settled when Ali agreed to establish a $200,000 trust fund for their daughter, Khaliah.

1986: Ali and Porché Divorce

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

1986: Dismissal of Lawsuit

In 1986, the $3 million lawsuit launched by Temica Williams against Muhammad Ali in 1981 for sexual assault was thrown out as her allegations were deemed to be barred by the statute of limitations.

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.

2010: Osmon Williams' Claim

In 2010, Osmon Williams claimed to be Ali's son. His mother had launched a lawsuit in 1981 against Ali, which was later dismissed. Ali admitted to the affair with Williams, but denied Osmon was his son. This claim was deemed of questionable veracity by Ali's biographer.