Muhammad Ali

Born: 1942 Kentucky

Died: 2016

Pro boxer & beloved yet controversial man inside the boxing ring… and outside it as well.

Meeting police officer Joe Martin, who was also a boxing trainer, led to the start of his storied boxing career.

Won Gold in boxing in 1960 Olympics in Rome.

Converted to Islam & changed his name from Cassius Clay.

Set example of strong African American pride & resistance to white domination during 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

Refused US military service, citing religious beliefs & disapproval of US involvement in Vietnam. He was arrested, found guilty, and stripped of his titles but the Supreme Court later overturned it.

Universally known as “The Greatest”, he is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.