Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. in 1942. A three-time World Heavyweight Champion he is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. But Ali's legacy reaches far beyond the world of sports. He changed his name from Clay to Ali after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964, and refused to join the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, facing arrest and losing his boxing title and the right to fight for four years because of his beliefs. After returning to the ring after a four-year forced absence, he participated in several of the most memorable and historic boxing matches of all time. He was known for his charisma, sharp intellect and wit, and also his rhymes, making him a cultural icon and one of the most recognized and inspiring people on the planet.
