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Muhammad Ali
- Simply known as "The Greatest"
- 1960 Olympic gold medalist as the light-heavyweight in Rome
- Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural Class of 1983
- Lit the Olympic Cauldron during the 1996 Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies in Atlanta
- Heavyweight Champion from 1964-67, 1974-78, 1978-79
- Began boxing when he was 12 after his bicycle was stolen; he reported the theft to policeman Joe Elsby Martin who invited Ali to train in boxing
- Won 100 out of 108 matches and earning six Kentucky Gold Gloves championships while in high school
- After returning from the 1960 Summer Games, he signed an unprecedented fifty-fifty split contract turning him into a professional boxer
- Nicknamed "The Louisville Lip;" coined the famous phrase, "I float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"
- All-time professional record: 61 fights, won 56, 37 by KO; lost 5, 1 by KO
- Inspired by Malcolm X to join the Nation of Islam; Cassius Clay, Jr. (his birth name) was given the name Muhammad Ali by Elijah Muhammad, his new title meaning "beloved of Allah"
- Revered by many in world for his stance as a conscientious objector to America's involvement in the war in Vietnam, refusing the draft and, ultimately, was stripped of his title
- Was sentenced to five years in prison and was later released on appeal. His conviction was overturned three years later
- Won the National Golden Gloves Championship (middleweight) in 1959 and 1960, as well as the AAU National Light-Heavyweight title in 1960
- Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1982
Muhammad Ali worked on behalf of the NYC2012 bid team. traveling to Singapore as a member of New York’s delegation for the IOC’s 2012 Host City election. “We are deeply honored that Muhammad Ali (was a) part of the New York delegation in Singapore for the IOC Host City election,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “In 1996, Muhammad Ali’s courageous lighting of the Olympic cauldron was one of the most powerful displays of the Olympic spirit ever. We are forever in awe of this great man who transcends all divides and touches us all. His athletic ability, indomitable spirit and grace have been an inspiration to tens of millions around the world.”
“When I look back and remember my greatest, most exciting moments as a boxer, competing in New York and competing in the Olympics are at the top of that list,” said Muhammad Ali. “To bring them together and hold the Games in New York City would be unforgettable for everyone involved, including myself.”
Said one writer of Ali, "There are many men that are affected by the times in which they live but there are very few that actually shape them."
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Height: 6'3
Born: 1/17/1942
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Sport: Boxing
Event: Light-Heavyweight
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