Muhammad Ali (January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American boxer and activist.

He is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century.

From early in his career, Muhammad Ali was known as an inspiring, controversial, and polarizing figure both inside and outside the ring.

Muhammad Ali converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay, which he called his ‘slave name’, to Muhammad Ali.

He set an example of racial pride for African Americans and resistance to white domination during the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1966, two years after winning the heavyweight title, Muhammad Ali further antagonized the white establishment by refusing to be drafted into the U.S. military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to American involvement in the Vietnam War.

He was eventually arrested, found guilty of draft evasion charges, and stripped of his boxing titles.

Muhammad Ali is regarded as one of the leading heavyweight boxers of the 20th century.

He remains the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion, having won the title in 1964, 1974, and 1978. After retiring from boxing in 1981, Muhammad Ali devoted his life to religious and charitable work.

In 1984, Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome, which his doctors attributed to boxing-related brain injuries.

As the condition worsened, Muhammad Ali made limited public appearances and was cared for by his family until his death on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona.