Muhammad Ali was a former world boxing champion. He is a former three time World Heavyweight Champion. He was also the Light-heavyweight gold medal. Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His original name was Cassius Marcellus Clay but he changed his name to Muhammad Ali after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964. He then converted to Islam in 1975. Muhammad Ali was first directed toward boxing by Louisville police officer Joe E. Martin. He then began training with Fred Stoner in a gym. He started earning $4 every week on a TV show called Tomorrow's Champions hosted by Martin.
In 1960 Olympic Games in Rome he won gold medal in Light heavyweight. This made him one of the popular Olympic gold medalist in boxing. His breakthrough came when he won gold medal in Rome Olympics in 1960. After the victory in Olympic Ali returned to hometown to begin his professional career. He won his first professional fight on October 29 1960 over Tunney Hunsaker a police chief of Fayetteville, West Virginia.
His height 6-ft, 3-in (1.91 m) and his well built became his identity. Muhammad Ali had a highly unorthodox style for a heavyweight boxer. Rather than the normal style of carrying the hands high to defend the face, he instead relied on foot speed and quickness to avoid punches and carried his hands low. From 1960 to 1963 he won many championship and tournaments. He defeated many well known boxers like Jim Robinson, Lamar Clark, Tony Esperti, Alonzo Johnson, Donnie Fleeman, George Logan, Willi Besmanoff, Henry Cooper and Doug Jones.
Muhammad Ali also won 10 round decision over Doug Jones. He became the top most contender for the title of Sonny's Liston. In the middle of his career he was also into many controversial issues. He was led into many controversial issues, which nearly ended his boxing career. He again came in the limelight when on October 30, 1974 he defeated the champion George Foreman. In his boxing career Muhammad Ali defeated many heavy weight champions. He was named the “Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine.
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