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Birth
Muhammad Ali was born under the name of Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.He was born in Louisville, Kentucky and grew up with his parents Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odetta Lee Grady.The family lived in "semi-poverty." -
The Legend Begins
At the age of 12, Ali had his bicycle stolen.When reporting it to the police, the assisting officer Joe Elsby Martin invited Ali to some local boxing lessons he hosted.Ali took to boxing very quickly and from then on his career began -
A Unique Technique
Muhammad Ali graduated from High School at the bottom of his class.He still took lessons from Elsby, but after graduating he began boxing 4 hours a day under Fred Stoner, a local black boxer/trainer.Under Stoner, Ali observed many professional fights and realized flaws.Ali believed that while professional fighters were strong, they were slow.Ali theorized that if he could stay light on his feet and dodge blows, he could win fights. -
Olympics
Ali's early success led him to become nominated to represent the United States in the 1960's Olympics in Rome.Ali won the lightweight gold medal. -
Death
Mohammad Ali died