Muhammad Ali is one of the greatest boxers of all time. He was an Olympic gold medalist, three-time world heavyweight champion, and a cultural icon of the 20th century. Ali was known for his quick wit, flashy style, and outspoken personality. He was a trailblazer in the world of boxing and a champion for civil rights. In this article, we will explore Muhammad Ali’s life, his professional career, net worth, and family life.
Early Life
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17, 1942. His father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., was a sign painter and his mother, Odessa Grady Clay, was a domestic worker. Ali had two older brothers, Rudolph and Ronald, and a younger brother, Robert. When Ali was 12 years old, his bicycle was stolen and he reported the incident to police officer Joe Martin. Martin, a boxing coach, encouraged Ali to take up the sport.
At the age of 18, Ali won the gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. After his Olympic win, he turned professional and began to make a name for himself in the boxing world.
Professional Career
Ali quickly rose to fame as a professional boxer. He won his first world heavyweight title in 1964, when he defeated Sonny Liston in a shocking upset. He was only 22 years old at the time. Ali defended his title several times and went on to become the first boxer to win the world heavyweight title three times. He also fought in some of the most historic boxing matches of all time, including the “Thrilla in Manila” and the “Rumble in the Jungle”.
Ali retired from boxing in 1981, after a long and illustrious career. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2016, Muhammad Ali had an estimated net worth of $50 million. He made his fortune through his boxing career, endorsement deals, and investments. Ali was also known for his generous philanthropy and gave millions of dollars to charities throughout his life.
Family Life
Muhammad Ali was married four times and had nine children. His first wife was Sonji Roi, whom he married in 1964. They divorced in 1966. He then married Belinda Boyd in 1967, and they had four children together. Ali and Boyd divorced in 1976. Ali’s third wife was Veronica Porche, whom he married in 1977. They had two children together. Ali’s fourth and final wife was Yolanda Williams, whom he married in 1986. They had two children together.
Muhammad Ali was a legendary boxer and a true icon. He was a trailblazer in the world of boxing and a champion for civil rights. He had an estimated net worth of $50 million and was known for his generous philanthropy. Ali was married four times and had nine children. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest boxers of all time.