322. Muhammad Ali: The Greatest Boxer

The greatest boxer of the modern era is Ali. There is generally no question about this the boxing circles. However, there are those who argue that there were others who were just great. Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and first called Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., but changed name in the late 1960s after adopting Islam his religion.

Ali was not only one of greatest heavyweight boxers ever to step into the , but also a deeply spiritual person who defied United States government by standing on his ethics. was a controversial and divisive man who elicited emotion from those who loved him, and those wanted him jailed.

Ali was on top of profession in the late 60s when his draft was changed. He was ordered to enlist in Army, but he refused. He claimed that he not go to war because of his religious . Many saw this move by the U.S. government a way to silence the outspoken boxer because was well beyond the age most young American were being drafted at the time. Ali was of his title, and was banned from boxing, his case went through the U.S. court system. was inactive during his ablest years from the 25 to almost 29. There is no telling many more victories and titles he could have during his stolen prime.

Eventually, the U.S. Supreme ruled in an 8 - 0 decision in 's favor, overturning his conviction of draft evasion. His was not popular at the time among conservative ; many people disliked him very much, but his and moral principles held up his decision. He now regarded as one of the most influential in the history of the U.S. He was "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated magazine, "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC.