Born Cassisus Marcellus Clay, Jr., in Louisville, Kentucky. Clay started to box when he was 12 years old. He won the Golden Gloves championship six times, and brought home the gold in the 1960 Olympics. When he turned pro, he quickly became the heavyweight champion of the world.

Clay's popularity rise started slowly. He was loud and used all sorts of antics. Ali was as fast as a butterfly and could sting like a bee.

Clay also became a follower of the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. In 1967, Ali refused to be drafted into the military and was found guilty of violating the Selective Service Act. Because of his religious beliefs he was unwilling to kill anyone.

He was stripped of his heavyweight title and spent his time lecturing on college campuses and at peace rallies. In 1970, the United States Supreme Court reversed his conviction.

Ali is now one of the most well known private citizens in the world. Ali is looked upon as a hero. He danced and pranced his way into the hearts of a generation. During the '96 Olympics in Atlanta, Ali surprised the world when he lit the torch that officially started the games.