Early Life and Education of Muhammad Ali: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Muhammad Ali. A timeline of key moments.

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

January 17, 1942: Birth of Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.

On January 17, 1942, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born. He later became known as Muhammad Ali, one of the most celebrated boxers and social activists in history.

Others born on this day/year

1955: Murder of Emmett Till

In 1955, the murder of Emmett Till deeply affected the young Cassius Clay, and he later expressed that the story of Emmett Till shook him up more than anything else. This event played a role in shaping his social and racial awareness.

1959: First Exposure to the Nation of Islam

In 1959, while fighting in the Golden Gloves tournament in Chicago, Muhammad Ali first learned of the Nation of Islam.

1961: First Nation of Islam Meeting

In 1961, Muhammad Ali attended his first Nation of Islam meeting. He kept his involvement hidden from the public at the time.

1962: Meeting Malcolm X and Exposure of Nation of Islam Membership

In 1962, Muhammad Ali met Malcolm X, who became his spiritual and political mentor. By the time of the first Liston fight, Nation of Islam members were visible in Ali's entourage, leading to a Miami Herald story revealing his membership and almost causing the bout to be canceled.

1962: Ali Registered for Conscription

In 1962, Muhammad Ali registered for conscription in the United States military and was initially listed as 1-A.

1963: Lonnie Meets Ali

In 1963, Lonnie Williams met Muhammad Ali for the first time when she was six years old, after her family moved to Louisville.

August 14, 1964: Ali Marries Sonji Roi

On August 14, 1964, Muhammad Ali married Sonji Roi approximately one month after their first date. The marriage was short-lived, marked by disagreements over Sonji's refusal to join the Nation of Islam.

1964: Ali Reclassified by U.S. Military

In 1964, Ali was reclassified as Class 1-Y by the U.S. Armed Forces due to failing the qualifying test, which was attributed to his dyslexia.

1964: Shooting of Cleveland Williams

In 1964, Cleveland Williams was shot at point-blank range by a Texas policeman, resulting in the loss of one kidney and 3.0 metres (10 ft) of his small intestine. This event happened before his fight with Muhammad Ali in 1966.

1964: Visit to Africa

In 1964, Muhammad Ali began visiting Africa, starting with Nigeria and Ghana.

1964: Publicizing Nation of Islam Membership

In 1964, after winning the championship from Liston, the Nation of Islam agreed to publicize Muhammad Ali's membership. Shortly afterwards on March 6, Elijah Muhammad announced that Clay would be renamed Muhammad Ali. Around that time Ali moved to the south side of Chicago.

January 10, 1966: Ali Divorces Sonji Roi

On January 10, 1966, Muhammad Ali and Sonji Roi divorced due to disagreements over her refusal to adhere to the Nation of Islam's expectations. Ali's brother claimed she was his only true love.

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.

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.

August 17, 1967: Ali Marries Belinda Boyd

On August 17, 1967, Muhammad Ali married 17-year-old Belinda Boyd, who later changed her name to Khalilah Ali. They met at a mosque in her hometown when she was 10 years old.

1968: Maryum Ali Born

In 1968, Muhammad Ali and Belinda Boyd (Khalilah Ali) had their first child, Maryum "May May" Ali, who became an author and rapper.

1970: Jamillah and Rasheda Ali Born

In 1970, Muhammad Ali and Belinda Boyd (Khalilah Ali) had twins, Jamillah and Rasheda Ali.

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 Begins Training in Pennsylvania

In 1971, Muhammad Ali began training at a farm near Reading, Pennsylvania.

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: 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.

1972: Miya Ali Born

In 1972, Miya Ali was born. She is Muhammad Ali's daughter from an extramarital relationship with Patricia Harvell.

1972: Second Fight with Patterson

In 1972, Muhammad Ali arranged a second fight with the financially struggling Floyd Patterson to help the former champion earn enough money to pay a debt to the IRS. This act of kindness showcased Ali's character and concern for others in the boxing community.

1972: Ali Establishes Training Camp in Deer Lake

In 1972, Muhammad Ali established his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, where he trained for his fights until the end of his career.

1972: Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca

In 1972, Muhammad Ali went on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which gave him a different outlook and greater spiritual awareness.

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.

June 1974: Khaliah Ali Born

In June 1974, Khaliah Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali and Wanda Bolton (Aaisha Fletcher), was born.

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: Ali and Lonnie Purchase Michigan Home

In 1975, Muhammad Ali and Lonnie Williams purchased a home in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

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.

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.

1976: African Boycott of the 1976 Olympics

In 1980, Muhammad Ali was unable to explain why the African countries should join the US boycott of the Moscow Olympics when the US had failed to support the African boycott of the 1976 Olympics (in protest of Apartheid in South Africa).

December 1977: Laila Ali Born

In December 1977, Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porché, was born. She later became a professional boxer.

1977: Dedication to Helping People After Retirement

In 1977, Muhammad Ali stated that, after he retired, he would dedicate the rest of his life to getting "ready to meet God" by helping people, charitable causes, uniting people, and helping to make peace.

1978: Featured in Superman vs. Muhammad Ali

In 1978, Ali was featured in Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, a DC Comics comic book pitting him against Superman.

1978: Featured on British TV program This Is Your Life

In 1978, Ali was the subject of the British television program This Is Your Life, where he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews, celebrating his life and achievements.

1978: Financial Status

In 1978, Muhammad Ali revealed that he was "broke" and 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.

1978: Visit to Bangladesh and Participation in The Longest Walk

In 1978, Muhammad Ali visited Bangladesh and received honorary citizenship there. The same year, he participated in The Longest Walk, a protest march in the United States in support of Native American rights, along with Stevie Wonder and Marlon Brando.

July 27, 1979: Ali Announces Short-Lived Retirement

On July 27, 1979, Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing, but it was short-lived due to his financial needs, leading to a comeback fight against Larry Holmes.

1979: Guest starred in Diff'rent Strokes

In 1979, Ali guest starred as himself in an episode of the NBC sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, highlighting his influence on popular culture.

Loading Video...

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 in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Ali convinced the government of Kenya to boycott the Soviet Olympics.

January 19, 1981: Talking a Suicidal Man Down

On January 19, 1981, in Los Angeles, Muhammad Ali talked a suicidal man down from jumping off a ninth-floor ledge, an event that made national news.

1981: End of Ali's Career at Deer Lake Camp

Muhammad Ali trained for all his fights from 1972 to the end of his career in 1981 at his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania.

1982: Lonnie Becomes Caregiver

In 1982, Lonnie Williams became Muhammad Ali's primary caregiver, and he funded her graduate studies at UCLA in return.

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."

1984: Diagnosis of Parkinson's Syndrome

In 1984, Muhammad Ali publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome. Although some reports attributed it to boxing-related injuries, this was disputed by Ali and his specialist physicians.

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.

1985: Visit to Israel

In 1985, Muhammad Ali visited Israel to request the release of Muslim prisoners at Atlit detainee camp, which Israel declined.

November 19, 1986: Ali Marries Lonnie Williams

On November 19, 1986, Muhammad Ali married Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams, who had been his caregiver since 1982. She first met Ali when she was six years old.

1986: Ali and Porché Divorce

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

1988: Paternity Claim and Relationship with Children

In 1988, Kiiursti Mensah-Ali claimed to be Muhammad Ali's daughter, supported by a paternity test, alleging a long relationship between Ali and her mother. She stated Ali provided support until his marriage to Lonnie ended contact. After his death, she requested to mourn at his funeral.

1988: Participation in Chicago rally and visit to Sudan

In 1988, Muhammad Ali participated in a Chicago rally in support of Palestine during the First Intifada. The same year, he visited Sudan to raise awareness about the plight of famine victims.

1988: Second Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca

In 1988, Muhammad Ali went on another Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

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: 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.

1991: Release of Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times

In 1991, the oral history biography Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, by Thomas Hauser, was released, providing a comprehensive look into Ali's life.

Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times

Check it on Amazon

1994: Campaigning for aid to 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.

1996: Lighting of the torch at the Atlanta Olympics

In 1996, Ali's lighting of the torch at the Atlanta Olympics was watched by an estimated 3.5 billion viewers, marking a significant moment in his legacy and a symbol of his enduring impact.

1996: Lighting the flame at the Atlanta Summer Olympics

In 1996, Muhammad Ali lit the flame at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, an event watched by an estimated 3.5 billion viewers worldwide.

1997: Acceptance of a lesbian couple

In 1997, after Muhammad Ali met a lesbian couple who were fans of his, he expressed his happiness for their relationship, indicating his acceptance and desire for people to be happy.

1998: Collaboration with Michael J. Fox

In 1998, Muhammad Ali began working with actor Michael J. Fox, who also has Parkinson's disease, to raise awareness and fund research for a cure.

2000: Collaboration with Michael J. Fox Foundation

In 2000, Muhammad Ali worked with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to raise awareness and encourage donations for research.

2001: Khaliah on Her Relationship with Her Father

In 2001, Khaliah Ali stated that she believed her father, Muhammad Ali, viewed her as "a mistake."

2001: Promotion of biopic and contribution to benefit concert

In 2001, despite his Parkinson's syndrome, Muhammad Ali promoted his own biopic, "Ali", and contributed to the America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit concert.

Loading Video...

November 17, 2002: U.N. Messenger of Peace visit to Afghanistan

On November 17, 2002, Muhammad Ali traveled to Afghanistan as the "U.N. Messenger of Peace" for a three-day goodwill mission in Kabul as a special guest of the UN.

2002: Joint appearance before Congress

In 2002, Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox made a joint appearance before Congress to push for Parkinson's research.

2004: Conversion to Sunni Islam

In 2004, Muhammad Ali attributed his conversion to mainstream Sunni Islam to Warith Deen Muhammad, who persuaded the Nation of Islam's followers to become adherents of Sunni Islam. Ali admired the change and became a follower of Sunni Islam.

January 2007: Ali and Lonnie Relocate

In January 2007, it was reported that Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie put their home in Berrien Springs, Michigan, up for sale and purchased a home in eastern Jefferson County, Kentucky, for $1,875,000.

June 2007: Honorary Doctorate from Princeton University

In June 2007, Muhammad Ali received an honorary doctorate of humanities at Princeton University's 260th graduation ceremony.

September 1, 2009: Visit to ancestral home in Ireland

On September 1, 2009, Muhammad Ali visited Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, which was the home of his great-grandfather, Abe Grady. Grady emigrated to the U.S. in the 1860s, eventually settling in Kentucky.

July 27, 2012: Titular bearer of the Olympic flag

On July 27, 2012, Muhammad Ali was a titular bearer of the Olympic flag during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Due to his Parkinson's syndrome, he was helped to his feet by his wife.

February 2013: Rumors of declining health

In February 2013, rumors circulated about Muhammad Ali's declining health, with his brother suggesting he could die soon. However, his daughter May May Ali refuted these rumors, stating she had spoken to him and he was fine.

2013: The Trials of Muhammad Ali Documentary

In 2013, Muhammad Ali's resistance to the draft was covered in the documentary, "The Trials of Muhammad Ali".

Loading Video...

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.

June 2, 2016: Hospitalization for respiratory illness

On June 2, 2016, Muhammad Ali was hospitalized in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a respiratory illness. His condition worsened, leading to his death the following day.

June 9, 2016: Islamic Janazah prayer service

On June 9, 2016, Muhammad Ali's funeral services began in Louisville with an Islamic Janazah prayer service at Freedom Hall, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

June 10, 2016: Funeral procession and public memorial service

On June 10, 2016, Muhammad Ali's funeral procession passed through Louisville, ending at Cave Hill Cemetery. A public memorial service was held at the KFC Yum! Center, with eulogies given by figures like Billy Crystal and former President Bill Clinton. The memorial was watched by an estimated 1 billion viewers worldwide.

2018: DNA Testing

In 2018, DNA testing revealed that Muhammad Ali was a descendant of Archer Alexander through his paternal grandmother. Archer Alexander was a former slave and the model for the Emancipation Memorial.