There’s no doubt Muhammad Ali had a very illustrious and stellar career.
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali revealed his ability to fight at an early age. It’s usually said that Ali wanted to learn to fight so that he could beat up a thief who had stolen his bike.
At the age of 12, Ali enrolled for professional boxing lessons and went on to win his first heavyweight world championship title at 22.
Ali also participated in several other historic boxing matches including the Fight of the Century, Thrilla in Manila, Super Fight II, and the Rumble in the Jungle.
In total, Ali participated in 61 fights, winning 56 and losing five. Of the 56 wins, 36 were knockouts. The boxing icon retired from boxing in 1981.
He still is the only three-time world heavyweight champion, making him the world’s greatest boxer.
Ali’s first professional fight, which took place on October 29, 1960, against Tunney Hunsaker saw him emerge victorious with a unanimous six-round points decision.
Taking place before a crowd of 6,180, Ali pocketed $2000 while his opponent earned $300. In a post-match interview, Hunsaker said, “ He’s awfully good for an 18-year-old and as fast as a middleweight.”
Watch highlights of the fight below:
