Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali (Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., January 17, 1942) Muhammad Ali is a retired American boxer and considered one of the greatest of all time at the sport.

Net worth: Muhammad Ali's net worth is $50 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Childhood: Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His parents were Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr and Odessa Grady Clay, the latter of whom brought Ali up as Baptist. Ali was introduced to boxing by Joe E. Martin, who told him at 12years old that he should learn to box after hearing him fuming about having his bike stolen.

Boxing Career: Muhammad Ali first professional fight was in 1960, winning after six rounds in a match against Tunney Hunsaker. By the end of 1963, Ali created a record of 19-0, 15 wins by knockout. He defeated boxers including his former trainer and established boxer Archie Moore in 1962. In 1964, he fought the formidable Sonny Liston for his heavyweight title. Prior to the match, Ali taunted Liston relentlessly, causing him to enter into the fight with anger. Ali won the match on the seventh round bell after Liston quit, despite the fact that Ali experience temporary blindness possibly caused by an ointment on Liston's gloves.

Ali later won their 1965 rematch with the fight lasting less than two minutes after Ali won by K.O. Ali maintained his title until March 1967 when he refused to be drafted to Army. His boxing license was suspended and he was sentenced to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for draft evasion. He was freed on bond, however, and subsequently did not serve time in jail.

Ali's first fight after regaining his license was in 1970 with Jerry Quarry which he won after three rounds. The following year, he suffered his first professional defeat by heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, a fight that was nicknamed the 'Fight Of The Century'. Ali did eventually defeat Frazier and reclaimed his title as heavyweight champion in 1975. In an incredibly close match that left Ali exhausted and Frazier's eyes swollen, Frazier lost after 14 rounds and Ali later praised Frazier's efforts.

Ali fought Ken Norton for the third time in 1976. Ali won by a heavily contested decision, resulting in Ali being booed by the fight's spectators. As a reaction to this, Ali announced a brief retirement to focus on his religion. In 1978, Ali had a match with Leon Spinks at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Ali was out of shape for the fight and lost the title by unanimous decision. Ali won in a rematch, making him the first heavyweight champion to win the belt three times.

Shortly after his win, Ali announced his retirement from boxing, however this retirement did not last long as he returned to the sport to face Larry Holmes in an attempt to becoming heavyweight champion for the fourth time. Ali's need for money was what propelled him to fight. Ali soon began to struggle with vocal stutters and trembling hands, putting him at a disadvantage in fights. Ali fought one last time on December 11, 1981 in Nassau against Trevor Berbick, losing after ten rounds.

Personal Life: Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome in 1984 which has got progressively worse throughout his life. Between 1964 and 1966 he was married to cocktail waitress Sonji Roi. The pair divorced over her objections to some Muslim traditions.

In 1967, he married Belinda Boyd with whom he had four children: Maryum, Jamillah, Rasheda and Muhammad Ali, Jr. By 1977, he had married Veronica Porsche with whom he was having an affair. They had two children: Hana and Laila. In 1986, he married current wife Yolanda Williams. He has two daughters from other relationships named Miya and Khaliah. Ali converted to Sunni Islam in 1975.