Muhammad Ali's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Muhammad Ali.

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

1960: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1960, Cassius Clay won the light heavyweight gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Rome. It was later recalled in his 1975 autobiography that he threw his gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused service at a "whites-only" restaurant.

1960: Olympic Gold and Turning Professional

In 1960, at the age of 18, Cassius Clay won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Summer Olympics. Later that year, he transitioned into professional boxing, marking the beginning of his iconic career.

1962: Beating Archie Moore

In 1962, Clay beat his former trainer and veteran boxer Archie Moore in a match, further solidifying his reputation in the boxing community.

1963: Winning Streak Until 1963

From his debut until the end of 1963, Cassius Clay amassed a record of 19-0 with 15 wins by knockout, defeating boxers including Tony Esperti and Henry Cooper, establishing himself as a rising star in the boxing world.

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.

November 14, 1966: Fight Against Cleveland Williams

On November 14, 1966, Muhammad Ali fought Cleveland Williams at the Astrodome in Houston, drawing a record-breaking indoor crowd. Ali dominated the fight, winning by a third-round technical knockout.

February 6, 1967: Ali vs. Terrell Fight

On February 6, 1967, Muhammad Ali fought Ernie Terrell in Houston. Terrell, known for his size and strength, repeatedly called Ali "Clay", which angered Ali. Ali won by unanimous decision in a 15-round fight, but the fight was criticized for Ali's apparent intent to prolong the fight and inflict maximum punishment on Terrell. Terrell claimed Ali thumbed him in the eye, but Ali denied any cruelty.

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.

August 11, 1970: Granted Boxing License by Atlanta

On August 11, 1970, Muhammad Ali was granted a license to box by the City of Atlanta Athletic Commission, paving the way for his comeback.

October 1970: Ali's Boxing Ban Ends

Muhammad Ali's ban from boxing ended in October 1970, after being sidelined since March 1967 due to his refusal to be inducted into the armed forces.

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: Conviction Overturned and Boxing Career Resumed

In 1971, Muhammad Ali's conviction was overturned allowing him to fully resume his boxing career after being banned for refusing to be inducted into the armed forces.

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.

October 30, 1974: The Rumble in the Jungle

On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, in a bout nicknamed "The Rumble in the Jungle."

October 1, 1975: Thrilla in Manila

On October 1, 1975, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought in the "Thrilla in Manila." Ali started aggressively but then used the "rope-a-dope" strategy, absorbing punishment. Ali dominated the later rounds, and Frazier's trainer stopped the fight after the 14th round due to Frazier's injuries. Ali won by TKO but was also exhausted.

February 2, 1976: Ali defeated 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 in this match.

April 30, 1976: Ali defeated Jimmy Young

On April 30, 1976, Muhammad Ali won a controversial unanimous decision against Jimmy Young. Ali acknowledged feeling old and saving energy for a future fight.

May 24, 1976: Ali defeated 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 knockout win of Ali's career.

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: Grammy Nomination for Children's Recording

In 1976, Muhammad Ali received a 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 beat Alfredo Evangelista

In May 1977, Muhammad Ali defeated Alfredo Evangelista.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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1997: Recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award

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

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.

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: 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.

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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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.