Muhammad Ali's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of 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

1960: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1960, Cassius Clay won the light heavyweight gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Rome, adding a significant achievement to his amateur career.

1960: Olympic Gold and Turning Pro

In 1960, at the age of 18, Muhammad Ali won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Summer Olympics. Later that year, he turned professional as a boxer, starting his iconic career.

1963: First Sports Illustrated Cover

In 1963, Muhammad Ali first appeared on the Sports Illustrated magazine's cover and went on to be featured on numerous covers during his career.

February 25, 1964: World Heavyweight Champion

On February 25, 1964, at age 22, Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) won the world heavyweight championship, defeating Sonny Liston in a major upset. This victory marked a significant turning point in his boxing career.

1964: Recording "Stand by Me" and Grammy Nomination

In 1964, Muhammad Ali recorded a cover version of the rhythm and blues song "Stand by Me". His album "I Am the Greatest" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album at the 6th Annual Grammy Awards.

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November 14, 1966: Fight against Cleveland Williams

On November 14, 1966, Muhammad Ali fought Cleveland Williams at the Astrodome in Houston. Ali dominated the fight and won by a third-round technical knockout, in what some consider the finest performance of his career.

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".

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.

1970: Ali Honored with Martin Luther King Award

In 1970, Muhammad Ali was honored with the annual Martin Luther King Award by Ralph Abernathy, who recognized him as a "living example of soul power."

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: Supreme Court overturns conviction

In 1971, the Supreme Court overturned Muhammad Ali's conviction for draft evasion, allowing him to resume his boxing career after a nearly four-year hiatus.

1972: Ali Wins Six Fights in 1972

In 1972, after fighting Ellis, Muhammad Ali won a total of six fights against Jerry Quarry, Floyd Patterson, and Bob Foster.

October 30, 1974: The Rumble in the Jungle

On October 30, 1974, the defeat of Frazier set the stage for a title fight between Ali and heavyweight champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, a bout nicknamed "The Rumble in the Jungle."

October 1, 1975: Thrilla in Manila

On October 1, 1975, Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier in Manila in a bout known as the "Thrilla in Manila". Despite early aggression from Ali, Frazier relentlessly attacked, leading to a grueling fight. Ali used the "rope-a-dope" strategy, absorbing punishment but also landing effective counterpunches. By the later rounds, Frazier's vision was impaired, and Ali dominated until Frazier's trainer stopped the fight after the 14th round.

February 2, 1976: Ali vs. Jean-Pierre Coopman

On February 2, 1976, Muhammad Ali defeated Jean-Pierre Coopman by a 5th round knockout. The WBC Heavyweight title was not at stake during this fight.

May 24, 1976: Ali vs. Richard Dunn

On May 24, 1976, Muhammad Ali defeated Richard Dunn by a 5th round technical knockout using a punch taught by Taekwondo Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee called the "Accupunch". This was the last time in Ali's boxing career he knocked an opponent out.

1976: Grammy Nomination for "The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay"

In 1976, Muhammad Ali received a second Grammy nomination for "Best Recording for Children" with his spoken word novelty record, "The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay".

May 1977: Ali Beats Evangelista

In May 1977, Muhammad Ali returned to boxing and beat Alfredo Evangelista.

1978: "Year of Ali" Proclamation and Street Renaming

In 1978, after becoming heavyweight champion for the third time, Muhammad Ali was honored in Louisville. Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll proclaimed 1978 as the "Year of Ali" and the Louisville Board of Aldermen voted to rename Walnut Street to Muhammad Ali Boulevard, which was controversial at the time because street signs were stolen.

1987: California Bicentennial Foundation Selection

Around 1987, the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution selected Ali to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

1990: Named one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th century

In 1990, Ali was recognized by Life magazine as one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th century, highlighting his significant impact and cultural relevance.

1993: Recognized as 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 years of age.

1996: Replacement Medal and Olympic Torch

In 1996, Muhammad Ali received a replacement gold medal at the Georgia Dome during the Atlanta Olympics. He also had the honor of lighting the torch to start the Games, marking a significant moment in his legacy.

1996: When We Were Kings wins Academy Award

In 1996, the documentary When We Were Kings, about the Rumble in the Jungle, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, celebrating Ali's iconic boxing match.

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1997: Arthur Ashe Courage Award

In 1997, Muhammad Ali was the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

1999: Named in Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century

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, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure.

1999: Introduction of Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act

In 1999, The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was introduced.

2000: Passing of Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act

In 2000, The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act passed, to protect the rights and welfare of boxers in the United States.

January 2001: Presidential Citizens Medal

In January 2001, Muhammad Ali was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton.

2001: Will Smith's Oscar Nomination for Ali

In 2001, Will Smith received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ali in the biopic Ali.

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2002: Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2002, Ali was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, mounted on a vertical surface out of deference to his request that the name Muhammad not be walked upon.

November 2005: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In November 2005, Muhammad Ali was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush.

December 2005: 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: Ali Rap Documentary Production

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 Ali's behalf in the film.

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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.

2008: Created Sportsman Legacy Award

In 2008, Sports Illustrated's Sportsman Legacy Award was originally created.

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.

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, alongside Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth, highlighting his enduring fame and cultural significance.

2016: Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor Created

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. The award was created in collaboration with the Muhammad Ali Center.

January 2017: Muhammad Ali Commemorative Coin Act Introduced

In January 2017, the Muhammad Ali Commemorative Coin Act was introduced into the 115th Congress but was not enacted.

January 16, 2019: Airport Renaming

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.