Lasting Legacy of Muhammad Ali: A Look at the Influence on History
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Muhammad Ali—a timeline of influence.
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.
1963: First Sports Illustrated cover
In 1963, Muhammad Ali first appeared on the magazine's cover of Sports Illustrated.
1966: Quote 'Different strokes for different folks' popularized
In 1966, Ali popularized the quote "Different strokes for different folks".
1966: Pledge to UNCF
In late 1966, Muhammad Ali pledged to donate a total of $100,000 to the UNCF and paid $4,500 per closed circuit installation at six HBCUs so they could watch his fights.
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.
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.
1967: Donation to United Negro College Fund
In 1967, Muhammad Ali became the largest single black donor to the United Negro College Fund with a $10,000 donation ($78,000 in 2020 USD).
1968: Paving the way for The Last Poets
In 1968, Muhammad Ali played a role in the shaping of the black poetic tradition, paving the way for The Last Poets.
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: Paving the way for Gil Scott-Heron
In 1970, Muhammad Ali played a role in the shaping of the black poetic tradition, paving the way for Gil Scott-Heron.
1970: Martin Luther King Award
In 1970, Muhammad Ali was honored with the annual Martin Luther King Award by Ralph Abernathy and Coretta Scott King for being a "champion of justice and peace and unity".
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: 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.
1974: Most Watched Television Broadcasts
From 1974 to 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were some of the world's most-watched television broadcasts. His most-watched fights drew an estimated 1–2 billion viewers worldwide and were the world's most-watched live television broadcasts at the time.
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: Viewed by billions in fights
In 1974, Muhammad Ali's fights were watched by an estimated 1-2 billion viewers.
1975: Construction of Ali Mall began
In 1975, construction of Ali Mall, the first of its kind in the Philippines, began shortly after Muhammad Ali's victory in a match with Joe Frazier in nearby Araneta Coliseum.
1976: Opening of Ali Mall in Quezon City, Philippines
Opened in 1976, Ali Mall, located in Araneta Center, Quezon City, Philippines, is named after Muhammad Ali. Ali attended its opening.
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: Asked to Paint
In 1977, Rodney Hilton Brown, who owned an art gallery in NYC, asked Ali if he was interested in painting. Ali took him up on the offer and produced several paintings for him to sell.
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: Accolades in Louisville
In 1978, Muhammad Ali received a round of accolades in his hometown of Louisville, including the Governor's Distinguished Service Award and the renaming of Walnut Street to Muhammad Ali Boulevard.
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.
1979: Guest starred in Diff'rent Strokes
In 1979, Ali guest starred as himself in an episode of the NBC sitcom Diff'rent Strokes.
1980: Most Watched Television Broadcasts
From 1974 to 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were some of the world's most-watched television broadcasts. His most-watched fights drew an estimated 1–2 billion viewers worldwide and were the world's most-watched live television broadcasts at the time.
1980: Viewed by billions in fights
In 1980, Muhammad Ali's fights were watched by an estimated 1-2 billion viewers.
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: 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.
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."
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.
1987: Selected to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution
Around 1987, the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution selected Muhammad Ali to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
1988: Second Hajj Pilgrimage
In 1988, Muhammad Ali went on another Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
1990: Named one of the 100 most influential Americans
In 1990, Ali was named one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th century by Life magazine.
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.
1992: Lonnie Incorporated G.O.A.T. Inc.
In 1992, Lonnie Williams incorporated Greatest of All Time, Inc. (G.O.A.T. Inc) to manage and license Muhammad Ali's intellectual properties, serving as the vice president and treasurer.
1993: Foundation of Pancrase
In 1993, Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki fight inspired Inoki's students Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki to found Pancrase.
1993: Most recognized athlete
In 1993, the Associated Press reported that Ali was tied with Babe Ruth as the most recognized athlete in America, identified by over 97% of Americans over 12.
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.
1996: Replacement Medal at Atlanta Olympics
In 1996, Muhammad Ali received a replacement gold medal at the Georgia Dome during the Olympics in Atlanta, where he also lit the torch to start the Games.
1996: When We Were Kings won Academy Award
In 1996, When We Were Kings, a documentary about the Rumble in the Jungle, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
1997: Foundation of Pride Fighting Championships
In 1997, Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki fight inspired the foundation of Pride Fighting Championships.
1997: Recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award
In 1997, Muhammad Ali was the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
1998: Birth of Biaggio Ali Walsh
In 1998, Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, was born. He is an amateur MMA fighter.
1999: One of Time magazine's 100 Most Important People
In 1999, Ali was named in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century, alongside Pelé and Jackie Robinson.
1999: Sportsman and Personality of the Century
In 1999, Muhammad Ali was named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC, solidifying his place as one of the most significant figures in sports history.
1999: Laila Ali's Boxing Career Began
In 1999, Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, began her professional boxing career.
1999: Introduction of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act
In 1999, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was introduced in the United States.
2000: Birth of Nico Ali Walsh
In 2000, Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, was born. He is a professional boxer.
2000: Passage of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act
In 2000, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was passed to protect the rights and welfare of boxers in the United States.
January 2001: Presentation of the Presidential Citizens Medal
In January 2001, Muhammad Ali was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton.
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: 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.
2001: Will Smith Oscar nomination for Ali
In 2001, the biopic Ali garnered a Best Actor Oscar nomination for Will Smith for his portrayal of Ali.
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: Honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2002, Ali was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, mounted vertically at his request.
2003: The Last Round: Chuvalo vs. Ali documentary
In 2003, the documentary film The Last Round: Chuvalo vs. Ali was released, focusing on Ali's 1966 fight against George Chuvalo.
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.
November 2005: Opening of the Muhammad Ali Center
In November 2005, Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali opened the $54 million non-profit Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville, focusing on themes of peace, social responsibility, respect, and personal growth.
November 2005: Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In November 2005, Muhammad Ali was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush.
December 2005: Recipient of the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in Gold
In December 2005, Muhammad Ali received the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in Gold from the UN Association of Germany (DGVN) in Berlin for his work with the civil rights movement and the United Nations.
2006: Sale of G.O.A.T. Inc.
In 2006, Greatest of All Time, Inc. (G.O.A.T. Inc), which managed Muhammad Ali's intellectual properties, was sold.
2006: Production of the documentary Ali Rap
In 2006, the documentary Ali Rap was produced by ESPN, with Chuck D of Public Enemy as the host. Other rappers narrated the documentary as well, including Doug E Fresh, Ludacris and Rakim who all spoke on Muhammad Ali's behalf in the film.
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.
2007: Pride acquired by Ultimate Fighting Championship
In 2007, Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki fight inspired Pride was acquired by its rival, Ultimate Fighting Championship.
2007: Laila Ali Retired From Boxing
In 2007, Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, retired from professional boxing.
2008: Creation of Sports Illustrated's Sportsman Legacy Award
In 2008, Sports Illustrated originally created the Sportsman Legacy Award.
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.
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.
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.
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".
2015: Sports Illustrated's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award
In 2015, Sports Illustrated renamed its Sportsman Legacy Award to the Sports Illustrated's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.
2015: Recognizable athletes in the United States
In 2015, a Harris Poll found that Ali was one of the three most recognizable athletes in the United States, along with Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth.
May 2016: Introduction of bill to extend the Ali Act to mixed martial arts
In May 2016, a bill was introduced to the United States Congress to extend the Ali Act to mixed martial arts.
June 3, 2016: Death of Muhammad Ali
On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer and social activist, passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy as a global cultural icon.
June 9, 2016: Islamic Janazah prayer service at Freedom Hall
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 memorial service
On June 10, 2016, Muhammad Ali's funeral procession passed through the streets of Louisville ending at Cave Hill Cemetery, where his body was interred. A public memorial service was held at the KFC Yum! Center, with eulogies given by Billy Crystal, Lonnie Ali, Bryant Gumbel, and Bill Clinton.
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.
2016: Estimated fortune after death
Following Muhammad Ali's death in 2016, his fortune was estimated to be between $50 million and $80 million.
2016: Bob Arum Reflects on Ali's Impact
In 2016, Ali's promoter, Bob Arum, stated that Ali's impact on the world was greater than his boxing exploits and acknowledged that Ali was right in his convictions, while Arum was wrong.
2016: Creation of the Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor
In 2016, the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences created the Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor, which is presented at its annual Voice Arts Awards.
2016: Ken Burns started developing Muhammad Ali docuseries
In early 2016, Ken Burns began developing the four-part docuseries Muhammad Ali.
January 2017: Introduction of the Muhammad Ali Commemorative Coin Act
In January 2017, the Muhammad Ali Commemorative Coin Act was introduced into the 115th Congress but was not enacted.
January 16, 2019: Airport name change
On January 16, 2019, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority voted to change the name of the city's main airport to "Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport" in honor of Muhammad Ali.
June 6, 2019: Unveiling of airport's new logo
On June 6, 2019, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport unveiled its new logo, featuring "Ali's silhouette, arms up and victorious, against the background of a butterfly."
2019: What's My Name: Muhammad Ali documentary released
In 2019, Antoine Fuqua's documentary What's My Name: Muhammad Ali was released.
2020: Value of 1967 Donation in 2020 USD
In 1967, Muhammad Ali became the largest single black donor to the United Negro College Fund with a $10,000 donation ($78,000 in 2020 USD).
September 2021: Muhammad Ali docuseries released
In September 2021, Ken Burns released the four-part docuseries Muhammad Ali, spanning over eight hours, on Ali's life, broadcast on PBS.
October 2021: Auction of Drawings and Arts
In October 2021, 26 of Muhammad Ali's drawings and arts were placed on auction and sold for close to US$1 Million.
2024: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In 2024, Muhammad Ali was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by The Undertaker.
2025: Ali musical debuting
In spring 2025, the officially authorized musical Ali, based on Ali's life, will debut at the Nederlander Theatre in Chicago, before moving to Broadway.
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