1, 1975: Ali’s biography, “The Greatest: My Own Story,” by Richard Durham, is published. Ali beat Frazier in a TKO in the 14th round in what is forever known as “The Thrilla in Manila”. 1, 1975: Ali took on Frazier for a third (and final) time, this time in the Philippines. Ali famously tires out Foreman using the “rope-a-dope” strategy. 30, 1974: The famed “Rumble in the Jungle” fight takes place in Zaire and Ali knocks out George Foreman in the eighth round. 28, 1974: Ali and Frazier have a rematch in Madison Square Garden. Supreme Court reversed Ali’s 1967 conviction. The bout marked Ali’s first defeat of his pro career.Īpril 19, 1971: The legal fight under the case name, Cassius Marsellus Clay, Jr. Frazier won by a unanimous decision in 15 rounds. March 8, 1971: “The Fight of the Century” takes place between Ali and Joe Frazier in New York’s Madison Square Garden. After the wedding, she converted to Islam. He is subsequently barred from boxing and his title was stripped.Īug. Army citing his opposition to the Vietnam War. The marriage later ends in divorce.Īpril 1967: Ali refuses to join the U.S. Muhammad means “one worthy of praise.” Ali is the name of a cousin of a prophet.Īug. Elijah Muhammad, a leader in the Nation of Islam, made a radio broadcast about the name change. March 6, 1964: Cassius Clay officially changes his name to Muhammad Ali. 25, 1964: At 22, Ali defeats champion Sonny Liston in a technical knockout to win the world heavyweight boxing crown in Miami. Clay was just 18 when he won the gold medal by a decision.įeb. 5, 1960: After winning three bouts in the qualifying round at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games, Cassius Clay defeats Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, of Poland, for the gold medal. 17, 1942: Cassius Clay is born in Louisville, Kentucky. Muhammad Ali holds the torch before lighting the Olympic flame during the Opening Ceremony of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games on Jin Atlanta.

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