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, 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

January 17, 1942: Muhammad Ali's Birth

On January 17, 1942, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., later known as Muhammad Ali, was born. He became a global cultural icon and is considered the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.

Others born on this day/year

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.

February 1957: Meeting Angelo Dundee

In February 1957, Cassius Clay met Angelo Dundee during Clay's amateur career. Dundee would later become his trainer after Clay left Archie Moore's camp in 1960.

1959: First Heard of Nation of Islam

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

1961: Meeting with Gorgeous George

In 1961, Cassius Clay met with professional wrestler "Gorgeous George" Wagner in Las Vegas, where George shared insights on attracting crowds through trash talk.

1961: Attended First Nation of Islam Meeting

In 1961, Muhammad Ali attended his first Nation of Islam meeting.

1962: Met Malcolm X

In 1962, Muhammad Ali met Malcolm X, who became his spiritual and political mentor.

1962: Registered for conscription in the United States military

In 1962, at the age of 18, Muhammad Ali registered for conscription in the United States military and was initially classified as 1-A.

February 25, 1964: World Heavyweight Champion Title

On February 25, 1964, at the age of 22, Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston in a significant upset to win the world heavyweight championship. He also denounced his birth name as a "slave name" and formally changed his name to Muhammad Ali during that year.

August 14, 1964: Ali Married Sonji Roi

On August 14, 1964, Muhammad Ali married cocktail waitress Sonji Roi approximately one month after they met.

1964: Joined Nation of Islam

In 1964, After winning the championship from Liston, The Nation of Islam agreed to publicize Ali's membership. Shortly afterwards on March 6, Elijah Muhammad gave a radio address that Clay would be renamed Muhammad (one who is worthy of praise) Ali (most high).

1964: Williams Shot by Policeman

In 1964, Cleveland Williams had been shot by a Texas policeman, resulting in the loss of one kidney and 10 feet of his small intestine. This occurred before his fight with Muhammad Ali in 1966.

1964: Visited Africa

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

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.

1966: Quote 'Different strokes for different folks' popularized

In 1966, Ali popularized the quote "Different strokes for different folks".

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 4, 1967: "Cleveland Summit" Supports Ali

On June 4, 1967, a group of high-profile African-American athletes assembled in Cleveland for the "Muhammad Ali Summit" to question and ultimately support Ali regarding his convictions.

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.

August 17, 1967: Ali Married Belinda Boyd

On August 17, 1967, Muhammad Ali married 17-year-old Belinda Boyd, who later changed her name to Khalilah Ali.

1967: Syl Johnson song 'Different Strokes' inspired

In 1967, Ali inspired the title of the Syl Johnson song "Different Strokes", one of the most sampled songs in pop music history.

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1968: Birth of Maryum Ali

In 1968, Muhammad Ali and Belinda Boyd had their first child, a daughter named Maryum "May May" Ali, who is an author and rapper.

1969: Inspiration from Gorgeous George

In a 1969 interview, Muhammad Ali stated that he met with professional wrestler "Gorgeous George" Wagner in Las Vegas in 1961, who inspired his trash-talking persona. George's advice to talk a big game to attract fans influenced Clay to transform himself into a self-described "big-mouth and a bragger".

1970: Birth of Twins Jamillah and Rasheda Ali

In 1970, Muhammad Ali and Belinda Boyd had twin daughters, Jamillah and Rasheda Ali.

March 8, 1971: First Fight against Frazier

On March 8, 1971, Muhammad Ali's first fight against Joe Frazier, dubbed the "Fight of the Century", took place at Madison Square Garden while Ali's Supreme Court appeal was pending.

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 due to the appeal board's failure to provide a reason for denying Ali's conscientious objector exemption.

1971: Case Reviewed by U.S. Supreme Court

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

1971: Supreme Court Overturns Conviction

In 1971, the Supreme Court overturned Muhammad Ali's conviction for draft evasion. This allowed him to return to boxing after nearly four years, during which he missed a period of peak performance as an athlete.

1972: Birth of Miya Ali

In 1972, Miya Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali and Patricia Harvell, was born from an extramarital relationship.

1972: Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca

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

June 1974: Birth of Khaliah Ali

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

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.

1974: Ali's Views on Patriotism and War

In a 1974 interview, Muhammad Ali stated that he would salute the flag out of respect while in the country and expressed his willingness to defend America if attacked, but maintained his opposition to the Vietnam War.

1975: Ali Bought Home in Berrien Springs

In 1975, Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie bought a home in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

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 1, 1976: Confrontation with Gorilla Monsoon

On June 1, 1976, Muhammad Ali confronted professional wrestler Gorilla Monsoon in the ring at a World Wide Wrestling Federation show in Philadelphia Arena after a match.

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: Opponent Antonio Inoki

Muhammad Ali's 1995 group included his 1976 opponent Antonio Inoki

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

December 1977: Birth of Laila Ali

In December 1977, Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porché had their second daughter, Laila Ali, who later became a professional boxer.

1977: Plans After Retirement

In 1977, Muhammad Ali said that after he retired, he would dedicate the rest of his life to helping people, charitable causes, uniting people and helping to make peace.

1977: Osmon Williams Born

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

1978: Subject of This Is Your Life

In 1978, Ali was the subject of the British television program This Is Your Life, surprised by Eamonn Andrews. Ali was also featured in Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, a 1978 DC Comics comic book.

1978: Visited Bangladesh and Participated in The Longest Walk

In 1978, Muhammad Ali visited Bangladesh and received honorary citizenship. He also participated in The Longest Walk, a protest march in the United States in support of Native American rights.

July 27, 1979: Ali announced his retirement

On July 27, 1979, Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing. However, the retirement was short-lived due to financial reasons; he planned a comeback to fight 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.

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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.

January 19, 1981: Talked Man Down from Ledge

On January 19, 1981, in Los Angeles, Muhammad Ali talked a suicidal man down from jumping off a ninth-floor ledge.

1981: Retirement from Boxing

In 1981, Muhammad Ali retired from boxing, concluding his legendary career. He then focused on religion, philanthropy, and activism, transitioning to new phases of his life.

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.

1982: Lonnie Became Ali's Caregiver

In 1982, Lonnie Williams became Muhammad Ali's primary caregiver, and he paid for her to attend graduate school at UCLA.

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."

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.

1985: Visited Israel to Request Release of Prisoners

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

November 19, 1986: Ali Married Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams

On November 19, 1986, Muhammad Ali married Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams.

1986: Tyson Breaks Heavyweight Record

In 1986, Mike Tyson broke the records for youngest boxer to win the heavyweight title, defeating Trevor Berbick at age 20.

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.

1988: Paternity Test

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

1988: Second Hajj Pilgrimage

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

1988: Participation in a Chicago rally in support of Palestine and visit to Sudan

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

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: 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.

1991: Release of biography Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times

In 1991, Ali cooperated with Thomas Hauser on a biography, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, which was released as an oral history.

Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times

Check it on Amazon

1994: Campaign to aid 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 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.

1996: Lighting the flame at the 1996 Summer Olympics

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

1997: Meeting a lesbian couple

In 1997, after Muhammad Ali met a lesbian couple who were fans of his, he expressed his happiness for their relationship to his friend and biographer Thomas Hauser.

1998: Collaborating with Michael J. Fox to raise awareness for Parkinson's

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

2000: Working with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

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

2001: Statement on September 11 Attacks

After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Muhammad Ali stated that "Islam is a religion of peace" and "does not promote terrorism or killing people".

2001: Khaliah Ali's Thoughts on Her Father

In 2001, Khaliah Ali was quoted as saying she believed her father viewed her as "a mistake."

2001: Promoting Ali biopic and contributing to tribute concert

In 2001, Muhammad Ali promoted his own biopic, Ali, and contributed an on-camera segment to the America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit concert.

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November 17, 2002: Appointed as "U.N. Messenger of Peace" and visit to Afghanistan

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

2002: Joint appearance before Congress to push for Parkinson's research

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

2004: Conversion to Sunni Islam

In 2004, Ali attributed his conversion to mainstream Sunni Islam to Warith Deen Muhammad, who assumed leadership of the Nation of Islam and persuaded the Nation's followers to become adherents of Sunni Islam.

January 2007: Ali Put Michigan Home Up For Sale

In January 2007, 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.

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, the home of his great-grandfather, Abe Grady, who emigrated to the U.S. in the 1860s, eventually settling in Kentucky.

2010: Osmon Williams Claims to be Ali's Son

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

July 27, 2012: Bearing the Olympic flag and receiving the Philadelphia Liberty Medal

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. The same year, he was awarded the Philadelphia Liberty Medal in recognition of his lifelong efforts in activism, philanthropy and humanitarianism.

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.

November 2015: Paris Attacks

The November 2015 Paris attacks took place.

December 2015: Statement on Paris Attacks

In December 2015, after the November 2015 Paris attacks, Muhammad Ali stated that "True Muslims know that the ruthless violence of so-called Islamic jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion".

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.

2018: DNA Testing Reveals Ancestry

In 2018, DNA testing revealed that Muhammad Ali was a descendant of the former slave Archer Alexander through his paternal grandmother. Archer Alexander was the model of a freed man for the Emancipation Memorial and the subject of William Greenleaf Eliot's book.