Gem

Cassius Clay rises from amateur boxer to 1960 Olympic gold medal winner. He turns professional and moves to Miami.

In Miami, Ali sharpens his boxing skills and hones his genius for self-promotion. In 1964, he shocks the world by upsetting the heavily favoured Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight championship.

Cassius Clay joins the Nation of Islam and adopts the name Muhammad Ali. For three years, Ali dominates the heavyweight ranks but in 1967, he refuses induction into the U.S. Army.

Ali is stripped of his title, convicted of draft evasion and forced into exile. In 1970, he triumphantly returns to the ring, but it’s clear that he has lost a step.

Muhammad Ali faces Joe Frazier in the “Fight of the Century.” Though he loses, Ali becomes a hero.

1974, Ali out-duels Frazier, his greatest rival, in their highly anticipated rematch. But to complete his comeback, he must face the fearsome George Foreman.

Muhammad Ali shocks the world when he defeats George Foreman in Zaire, winning back the heavyweight title and becoming the most famous man on earth.

After “Thrilla in Manilla”, Ali boxes for five more years. He is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984 but continues to travel the world spreading his Islamic faith.