Cassius Clay – Muhammad Ali
Undoubtedly one of the greatest names in boxing, “the greatest” had his name changed from Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr (named after his father) to Muhammad Ali by Elijah Muhammad after he converted to the Nation of Islam. Despite achieving remarkable feats while he was known as Cassius Clay, the famous boxing champion wished to be known and called just Muhammad Ali. When some journalists had a hard time calling him Muhammad Ali, he said, “Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn’t choose it and I don’t want it. I am Muhammad Ali, a free name – it means beloved of God and I insist people use it when people speak to me”.
