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Cassius Clay is born in Louisville, Kentucky:
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After winning three bouts in the qualifying round at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games, Cassius Clay defeats Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, of Poland, for the gold medal. Clay was just 18 when he won the gold medal by a decision.
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Ali defeats champion Sonny Liston in a technical knockout to win the world heavyweight boxing crown in Miami.
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Ali married Sonji Roi. The marriage later ends in divorce.
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Ali married Belinda Boyd. After the wedding, she converted to Islam. The marriage later ends in divorce
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Ali is reinstated into boxing.
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The Fight of the Century” takes place between Ali and Joe Frazier in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Frazier won by a unanimous decision in 15 rounds. The bout marked Ali’s first defeat of his pro career.
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The U.S. Supreme Court reversed Ali’s 1967 conviction.
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Ali’s daughter, Laila, was born. She is the daughter of Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porsche. Laila went on to become a professional boxer.
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Ali loses to 1976 Olympic champion Leon Spinks in 15 rounds by a split decision.
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Ali announces his retirement.
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Ali lights the Olympic cauldron during the Opening Ceremony for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. He also received a replacement gold medal for the one he won in 1960.
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Ali dies at age 74 in Phoenix, after being hospitalized with respiratory issues.