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Muhammad Ali (Boxer) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 6, 2026 • 4 min read

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Quick Info

Date of birth17 January 1942

Age74 (deceased)

BirthplaceLouisville, Kentucky, U.S.

ProfessionAmerican Professional Boxer

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusMarried

SpouseSonji Roi; Belinda Boyd; Veronica Porsche Ali; Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams

FamilyFather: Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr.; Mother: Odessa O'Grady Clay; Brother: Rahman Ali

Muhammad Ali (Boxer) Biography

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was an American professional boxer widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest heavyweights. A three-time

Early life and background

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in that city and attended Louisville Central High School. His parents were Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., who worked as a painter and musician, and Odessa O’Grady Clay. He had a brother, Rahman Ali, who also became a boxer.

As a youth he became interested in boxing after an incident in 1954 when his bicycle was stolen. Seeking to channel his anger, he met police officer and boxing trainer Joe Martin, who introduced him to the sport and helped direct his energy into training.

Career

Ali began his professional boxing career on October 29, 1960, defeating Tunney Hunsaker by a six-round decision. Standing about 6 feet 3 inches tall and competing at roughly 236 pounds during his career, he fought in a total of 61 professional bouts over 21 years. He won 56 of those fights, including 37 by knockout.

A major turning point came in 1964 when he defeated Sonny Liston to claim the world heavyweight title. He went on to be crowned World Heavyweight Champion three times during his career. Before his first professional loss he recorded a 31-fight winning streak; that first defeat came against Joe Frazier in what was billed the Fight of the Century in 1971.

Ali’s amateur résumé included winning a gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome in the light-heavyweight division. Over the years, his most notable ring rivals included Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Ken Norton. He worked with several prominent trainers and mentors, including Angelo Dundee, Archie Moore and Joe Martin.

Ali’s last professional fight occurred in 1981, when he lost to Trevor Berbick. His career record, championship reigns and memorable rivalries left a lasting imprint on boxing history.

Personal life

In 1964–65 Ali converted to Islam and adopted the name Muhammad Ali, saying he no longer wished to use the name he had been given at birth. He listed his religion as Islam for the remainder of his life.

Ali married four times. His wives included Sonji Roi (1964–1966), Belinda Boyd (1967–1976), Veronica Porsche Ali (1977–1986) and Yolanda “Lonnie” Williams (married from 1986 until his death). He had nine children: daughters Laila, Rasheda, Hana, Maryum, Jamillah, Khaliah and Miya, and sons Asaad Amin and Muhammad Ali Jr. His family life was described as complicated, and he was reportedly close to only a few of his children.

Controversies and legal battles

Ali’s refusal in 1967 to be inducted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War led to his arrest, the stripping of his boxing titles and suspension of his license to fight. He challenged the matter through the courts and in 1971 his conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing him to resume his boxing career.

Public profile

Ali was known for a confident, outspoken public persona and earned nicknames such as The Greatest, The People’s Champion and The Louisville Lip. He was also noted for his showmanship, pre-fight talk and a wide-ranging public life beyond the ring.

He enjoyed singing and working out as hobbies, and listed Jack Johnson as a favorite boxer. His favorite foods included macaroni and cheese, baked chicken and spinach, and his favorite film was Shane.

Acts of public service and later recognition

Throughout his life Ali engaged in notable public acts. In 1981 he intervened to help prevent a young man’s suicide in Los Angeles by talking with him and convincing him to accept help. In 1990 he traveled to Baghdad during a hostage crisis and was involved in diplomatic efforts that helped secure the release of some Americans.

In 1999 he was named Sportsman of the Century. He also developed Parkinson’s disease, a condition he lived with for around three decades.

Latest updates

Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 74. His legacy endures through his achievements in and out of the ring, including his Olympic gold medal, three-time heavyweight championships and his role as one of the best-known athletes of the 20th century.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Muhammad Ali (Boxer), send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

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Career Highlights

  1. Won gold medal in light-heavyweight boxing at the 1960 Summer Olympics
  2. Turned professional in 1960; professional debut on October 29, 1960
  3. Won the world heavyweight title from Sonny Liston in 1964
  4. Three-time World Heavyweight Champion
  5. Professional record: 61 fights, 56 wins, 37 knockouts
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Muhammad Ali (Boxer) born?

Muhammad Ali (Boxer) was born on 17 January 1942.

What is Muhammad Ali (Boxer) known for?

Muhammad Ali (Boxer) is known for american Professional Boxer.

What is Muhammad Ali (Boxer)’s marital status?

Muhammad Ali (Boxer)'s marital status is listed as Married.

Who is Muhammad Ali (Boxer) married to?

Muhammad Ali (Boxer) is publicly listed as married to Sonji Roi; Belinda Boyd; Veronica Porsche Ali; Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams.