Photos of Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay, began his boxing career in the amateur league. In the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, he won a gold medal in the 175-pound division. After the Olympics, Ali began moving up in the professional boxing league. On February 25, 1964, Ali shocked the boxing world when he defeated the heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. Over the next few years, Ali successfully defended his title against numerous challengers. Ali, however, was stripped of his title when he refused to join the army after being drafted during the Vietnam War. Ali went on to win back the title. Ali's last fight was in 1981.