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Muhammad Ali Birth
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Learning to Box
After having his bike stolen, a 12-year-old Clay promises to "whup whoever stole it." In an attempt to channel his aggression, the policeman he reported the crime to takes him under his wing and eventually directs him to boxing trainer Fred Stoner. Over the next six years, Clay would win six Kentucky Golden Gloves championships and two national Golden Gloves titles. -
Rome Olympics
Ali wins gold medal at Rome Olympics. -
Louisville
Upon returning from the Olympics, Ali finds he's not immune to the racism that is so prevalent in the U.S. After being refused service by a waitress at a "whites-only" restaurant, and then fighting with a white gang, a disgusted Clay throws his gold medal into the Ohio River. -
Allowed to be Drafted
On March 9, the military draft board classifies Clay 1-A, meaning he is fit and available to be called into the U.S. Army. -
Reclassified Again
Because of a low score on the Army intelligence test, Clay is reclassified 1-Y, not qualified for military service, in January. "I said I was 'The Greatest,' " he explains. "I never said I was the smartest." -
Black Muslim
After defeating Sonny LIston to become Heavyweight World Champion, Ali comes out about being Black Muslim. -
Reclassified and Deemed Fit for Army
With the Vietnam War heating up, the Army lowers test-score standards, reclassifying Ali 1-A -- fit for service. -
The Kentucky Appeal Board
The Kentucky Appeal Board formally denies Ali’s request for conscientious objector status and ministerial exemption. -
Ali Refuses Induction
Ali refuses induction into the U.S. Army due to his religious convictions. He angers many Americans after claiming, "I ain't got no quarrel with those Vietcong." He is subsequently stripped of his WBA title and his license to fight. -
Found Guilty
In June, a court finds him guilty of draft evasion, fines him $10,000, and sentences him to five years in prison. He remains free, pending numerous appeals, but is still barred from fighting. -
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Ali Motivational Speeches
Ali gives speeches about black power and standing up to white dominance. -
Decision Reversed
The Supreme Court reversed the decision by the Kentucky Appeals Board and granted Ali conscientous objector status. The Court claimed that the Appeal Board did not have strong enough reasons for denying the status to Ali -
Parkinson's Disease
Ali is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder whose symptoms include muscle tremors and slowness of speech.