This morning came the news that Mohammed Ali, a boxer whose name is forever inscribed in the history of world sports, has passed away. The king of the ring has died at the age of 75. He was seriously ill, since the 80s, and lately he has little resemblance to his former self. But respect for his titles, admiration for his sporting achievements remained unchanged. Olympic champion, multiple world champion in different versions, holder of the title "Athlete of the Century".

Just two days ago, when the illustrious athlete was taken to one of the hospitals in Phoenix, it seemed that everything would work out. As Mohammed Ali's spokesman said at the time, he was hospitalized due to respiratory problems and will soon be discharged. However, the day before, there were reports in the press that the initial diagnosis was not confirmed and everything is much more serious. Doctors did not hide from the relatives and friends of the athlete that he had only a few hours to live.

“Everyone in this city and all over the world loved him, no one would have said a single bad word about this kindest person. He himself loved everyone and was ready to do everything in his power for anyone,” says athlete friend Sonny Fishback.

"Ali was, and so I think not only, without a doubt, the greatest fighter and the most worthy person," notes another of the boxer's friends, Billy Moore.

“Even those who didn’t care about boxing knew who Mohammed Ali was. Someone might say that sometimes he was self-confident, pragmatic, but, believe me, in fact he was really humble and kind person. He could sit in the gym for several hours and just talk to the children and sign autographs," says boxing coach Bud Charden.

Until very recently, this man, who for more than 30 years suffered from the most severe illness - Parkinson's disease, tried to be useful to people. For many years he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, visiting dozens of countries.

"He always tried to make this world different, to make this world better and kinder. In my eyes, my dad is the most worthy, strong and courageous person, and I'm really proud of him," the boxer's daughter said in one of her speeches in 2012 Layla Ali.

During his professional career, Muhammad Ali, nee Cassius Clay, had 61 fights, scoring 56 victories, 37 of them by knockout, and suffering only five defeats. His name has become a symbol of professional boxing, and the tactical scheme invented by him “hands work; see eyes; flutter like a butterfly; sorry as a bee" sounds like a motto for boxers of all time. Champion of the 1960 Olympics in Rome, then he was only 18 years old, three-time world heavyweight champion, five-time winner of the titles of "Boxer of the Year" and "Boxer of the Decade", not to list everything, he became the most titled athlete in boxing history and in 1999 was named Sportsman of the Century.

Despite his youth, at the age of 25 he became one of the very few who were not afraid to show a strong civic stand during the Vietnam War. In 1967, Muhammad Ali was drafted into the US Army, but refused to participate in the war.

“I and many, many others were ordered to fly thousands of kilometers from home to bomb cities and shoot people who did nothing wrong to the Americans. I firmly said:“ I will not go, ”Mohammed Ali declared in 1967.

All his sports titles were canceled, and the boxer himself was sentenced to five years for service evasion, and he was forbidden to box. And only in 1970, the US Supreme Court overturned the verdict, and the boxer returned to the ring. He won the world title in a fight with George Foreman in 1974.

A year later, he held another fight, which also remained forever in the history of world boxing. It was a fight in which Mohammed Ali met the famous Joe Frazier for the third time, and again defeated him, confirming the title of the strongest in the world.

Cassius Marcellus Clay, known under the pseudonym Muhammad Ali, died exactly 2 years ago, on June 3. To honor the memory, the site will tell about the last years of the athlete's life and about his illness.

Mohammed Ali's illness

The boxing legend, whose motto was the phrase - "flutter like a butterfly - pity like a bee", became one of the most famous boxers in the world. During his successful career, Muhammad Ali entered the ring 61 times, 56 times of which he emerged victorious. He became a man who changed the history of world boxing.

3 years after the end of his career, Mohammed Ali was diagnosed with a terrible disease - Parkinson's syndrome, which caused the athlete to have impaired coordination of movements and breathing. Fortunately, Mohammed was prescribed a drug that helped the boxer maintain a clear mind and the ability to go about his usual activities without too much help.

After such a disappointing diagnosis, the world boxing legend decided to devote his life to charity. Mohammed Ali helped the needy, and agitated everyone to follow his example. The boxer traveled a lot, in 1998, as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he visited the countries of Asia and Africa.

Death of Muhammad Ali

On June 2, 2016, Muhammad Ali was rushed to the hospital due to breathing problems. The cause of impaired lung function was Parkinson's disease, which could no longer be controlled with medication.

June 3, 2016 Cassius Marcellus Clay passed away. The official cause of death was septic shock. The great boxer was buried in his hometown of Louisville, USA.

As a family member of Mohammed Ali told reporters, the athlete had prepared an exact plan for his funeral in advance. with the legendary boxer took place at the KFC Yum! arena, where he had his last fight.

Professional boxers are often plagued by illness due to permanent injuries that cannot be avoided in the ring. Many athletes, even after the end of their careers, end up in hospitals with diseases that have become the consequences of a boxing career.

So, for example, a famous Russian boxer shared with his fans that he had undergone a serious heart operation. The athlete said that he had a heart attack.

World News

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 75. The TV company reported NBC referring to the late Bob Gunnell's family spokesman.

“After battling Parkinson's disease for 32 years, Muhammad Ali died at the age of 74. The three-time heavyweight champion of the world passed away tonight," Gunnell was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.

Ali was being treated at a hospital near Phoenix, Arizona.

On Wednesday the American portal TMZ reported that Ali was hospitalized due to respiratory problems. Gunnell said that Ali would require a short hospital stay due to lung problems. However, the British newspaper The Daily Mirror reported that the initial diagnosis was not confirmed and Ali's health is much worse than reported on Wednesday. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit.

The former boxer was last hospitalized on December 20, 2014 due to suspected pneumonia. However, later doctors found out that Ali had a urinary tract infection. On January 7, 2015, he was allowed to return home.

During his professional career, Ali spent 61 fights, scoring 56 victories (37 by knockout) and suffering five defeats. His name has become a symbol of professional boxing, and the tactical scheme invented by him “hands work, eyes see; flutter like a butterfly, pity like a bee" is still used today. He is also the 1960 Olympic champion. Ali was named Sportsman of the Century in 1999.

American boxer, 1960 Olympic champion Mohammed Ali (real name - Cassius Marcellius Clay) was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville (Kentucky, USA).

He started boxing from an early age.
In 1959, he was named to the US Olympic team.
In 1960, in Rome (Italy), Cassius Clay, under his own name, became the light heavyweight champion of the Olympic Games. After that, he turned pro.
In 1963, Cassius Clay defeated Doug Jones. The fight received the status of "fight of the year" according to the magazine "Ring"

In 1964, Cassius Clay received his first title as a result of a fight with Sonny Liston, defeating him by technical knockout in the seventh round. In the same year, Clay converted to Islam and changed his name to Mohammed Ali.

On May 25, 1965, a second duel took place between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, in which Ali again won.

In 1966-1967, the boxer defended his title against Brian London, Karl Mildenberger, Cleveland Williams, Ernie Terrell and Zora Folly.

In 1967, during the Vietnam War, Muhammad Ali was drafted into the US Army, but refused to participate in the war. His title was annulled, and the boxer himself was sentenced to five years for evading service. At this time, Ali was banned from boxing. In 1970, the US Supreme Court overturned the verdict, and the boxer returned to the ring.

In March 1971, Muhammad Ali entered the ring for the first time against Joe Frazier. This fight was subsequently named "fight of the year" according to the magazine "Ring". In the 15th round, Ali was knocked down, and after the end of the fight, the judges came to the conclusion that he had lost the fight. It was Ali's first loss in his career.

In 1974, the second duel took place between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Ali won this fight, winning him on points.

On October 30, 1974, the fight for the world title took place between George Foreman, the reigning champion, and challenger Muhammad Ali. Experts consider this fight as "the greatest and unforgettable". It was won by Ali, becoming the champion.

On October 1, 1975, Ali had another fight, which also remained forever in the history of world boxing. They became a duel in which Muhammad Ali met Joe Frazier for the third time and again defeated him.

In 1976, Muhammad Ali successfully defended titles against Jean-Pierre Koopman, Jimmy Young and Richard Dunn. In 1977 he defeated Alfredo Evangelista and Ernie Shavers.

In 1978, Muhammad Ali decided to end his boxing career. For the final fight, the 1976 Olympic champion Leon Spinks was chosen, to whom Ali lost. The fight received the status of "Fight of the Year" according to the magazine "Ring".

Ali challenged Leon Spinks to a rematch, which took place on September 15, 1978. This time, Ali won by unanimous decision. Then he retired from boxing. Due to financial difficulties, he soon had to enter the ring again. But only to lose two fights - one in October 1980 against Larry Holmes and the second against Trevor Berbick in December 1981. After that, Ali finally retired from boxing.

Soon the athlete was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

In 1990, Ali was elected to the National Boxing Hall of Fame. In 1996, he carried the torch at the Atlanta Summer Olympics.

Muhammad Ali - Olympic champion in 1960, absolute world heavyweight champion (1964-1966, 1974-1978), world heavyweight champion according to WBC (1974-1978), WBA (1967, 1974-1978, 1978). The Ring magazine named him "Boxer of the Year" five times (1963, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978) and, in addition, "Boxer of the Decade" (1970s). Ali was named Sportsman of the Century in 1999 by Sports Illustrated and the BBC.

He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005), the Philadelphia Medal of Freedom, etc. He received the title of Honorary Citizen of Kentucky and Citizen of Kentucky of the Century.

Probably, today there is hardly a person in the world who would never have heard of the "People's Champion", the brilliant heavyweight of the 60s and 70s. But is it worth saying that Mohammed Ali is a person about whom absolutely everything is known? Of course not. After all, the human soul is a city in which the light is rarely turned on.

The early years of Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay)

A completely different matter is the mother of the future boxer. Odessa Grady Clay was a housekeeper who worked primarily in the homes of wealthy white Louisiana residents. She cooked and cleaned, and always remembered at every opportunity that her father was Irish. It is noteworthy that Mohammed Ali himself repeatedly said that "white blood" makes him weaker. Although the rivals of Cassius Clay, for sure, could argue with this.

Our today's hero began to get involved in sports at the age of twelve after ... someone stole his bicycle. His family was not poor, however, despite this, his own "great" always seemed to Cassius a real treasure. That is why the fact of his loss has become one of the most difficult episodes in the life of a young guy. On that day, Mohammed Ali swore that he would certainly “heap” on the thief. With this idea, he first came to the training room for boxing. This is how the legendary career of a great fighter in world sports began. He came to the gym with his two-year-old younger brother Rudolf, who later helped Cassius in sparring. It is noteworthy that initially the coaches, with the exception of Fred Stone, did not see prospects in the guy.

Soon the first fight of Cassius Clay took place. Once in a three-round confrontation, he defeated the boy from Louisiana - Rony Okiba. After that, the young boxer was invited to local television and appeared in the program "Stars of Tomorrow".

The heyday of Muhammad Ali's career

Muhammad Ali: the best knockouts!

In 1960, the great athlete volunteered for the US Army. It was during this period that he set about creating his own unique boxing style. He asked his brother and army buddies to throw rocks at him at close range so he could learn to dodge them. Moreover, in fights with his rivals, he often "danced" in the ring, standing in front of his opponent with his hands down. This boastful style caused a lot of negative feedback from professional boxers, but it brought Cassius to the attention of the general public.

In the same 1960, the young boxer won the tournament of the Athletic Amateur Union and received an invitation to take part in the qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games. However, the performance at this competition was only a formality. Having received the coveted ticket to the Olympics, Cassius went to Rome, where he confidently confirmed the championship. The gold medal of the Olympic Games was the first serious success in the career of our today's hero.

Muhammad Ali at the 1960 Olympics

In 1964, the talented native of Louisville first appeared before the public under the name Mohammed Ali - the name under which the athlete forever entered the history of boxing. Shortly before this, the athlete converted to Islam. As is commonly believed, the reason for this decision was the athlete's dislike for white people - all childhood and youth, Cassius and his family suffered from racial harassment.

In 1964, Mohammed became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and held this title for two years in a row. Subsequently, he became the owner of the title "Boxer of the Year" five times (1963, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978), and was also recognized as the "Boxer of the Decade" (70s). In 1974, Ali was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Century. In 1987, he was included in the American Boxing Hall of Fame, and three years later - in the international one.

Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson in the same studio - in Russian

The end of Muhammad Ali's career

Due to the onset of lack of money in 1980, Mohammed was forced to re-enter the ring. At that time, the defending champion Larry Holmes became his opponent, who confidently defeated the veteran. The legendary boxer looked frankly pathetic. But despite this, Mohammed received about eight million dollars for that fight.

This time, the money earned was invested in business and real estate. However, despite the financial success, in 1981 the boxer again entered the ring. In a fight with Canadian heavyweight Trevor Berbick, he looked pretty good, but still lost. From that moment on, Mohammed did not enter the ring again.

Fight between Muhammad Ali and Trevor Berbick

In 1984, the former boxer was diagnosed with a terrible disease - Parkinson's syndrome, which caused Mohammed to have impaired coordination and breathing. However, the athlete's mind remained clear, and thanks to the prescribed levodopa, he was able to cope with everyday activities. Realizing that a further career as a boxer was out of the question, Mohammed Ali decided to devote his life to charity: he helped the needy, urged wealthy Americans to follow his example, and participated in negotiations with radical Islamists in Lebanon and Iraq.

Personal life of Muhammad Ali

The second marriage, with Belinda Boyd (later Khalila Ali), lasted longer and led to the birth of four children: three daughters and a son named Mohammed Ali Jr. Shortly after the birth of their fourth child, the couple's relationship cracked, and Mohammed began an affair with model Veronica Porsche, who, as noted in many sources, was not his only mistress. One way or another, it was Veronica who became the official reason for the divorce of Mohammed and Khalila.

Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porsche got married in 1977. Soon they had two children.

This union lasted nine years. After his divorce from Veronica Porsche, the legendary boxer married his longtime girlfriend Yolanta Williams. Soon they adopted a five-year-old boy together. In addition, Mohammed had two more illegitimate children from ties on the side.

Death of Muhammad Ali

In memory of Muhammad Ali

Biography and episodes of life Muhammad Ali. When born and died Mohammed Ali, memorable places and dates of important events in his life. boxer quotes, Photo and video.

Mohammed Ali's years of life:

born January 17, 1942, died June 3, 2016

Epitaph

"We don't have much life.
And all of it will soon be gone
But do something for God
And it will never die."

Biography of Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali during his lifetime became a legend not only in boxing- he was a cult athlete, an icon of his time. His active life position, religious beliefs and public speeches in defense of equality served his popularity no less than his undoubted talent and famous corporate style in boxing.

Young Cassius Clay grew up in a fairly wealthy and loving family and did not suffer, like many of his peers, from lack of money and poor conditions. But since childhood, he faced the problem of racial inequality, which was especially acute in the part of the United States where his family lived. Subsequently, Ali said that black children in his time lacked an idol to look up to; a person who would show them by example how high they can rise without using drugs and without living a "street" life.

Mohammed Ali became such an idol for his generation. From early youth, he led a healthy lifestyle, later converted to Islam and became a deeply religious person. His public behavior was often defiant, sometimes rude, he insulted opponents in the ring and often got involved in scandals. But there was no malice behind this rampage, and the audience saw in Ali a simple guy with a warm heart, able to make a fuss, but at the same time able to defend what he believes in and go through with it. That's what he was.

25 years of boxing were not in vain: Ali was forced against his desire to end his career when his health began to noticeably deteriorate. The boxer was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and Ali called the fight with her the most difficult in his life. After completing his professional career, he gave a lot of time to charity and generously donated his own financial resources to help children.

Deservedly named The Greatest Boxer died at the age of 74 from a lung disease.

Muhammad Ali during a visit to the Soviet Union in 1978

life line

January 17, 1942 Date of birth of Cassius Marcellus Clay (Mohammed Ali).
1960 The first professional fight of Muhammad Ali and victory at the XVII Summer Olympic Games in the light heavyweight category.
1961 Acquaintance with the spiritual mentors of Islam, Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X, who had a strong influence on Ali's worldview.
1964 Muhammad Ali becomes the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the title for two years. In the same year, he officially announces his membership in the Nation of Islam.
1967 Official refusal to perform military service, deprivation of a boxing license and a trial.
1970 Acquittal in the U.S. Supreme Court and reinstatement of Ali's license. The first defeat in a professional career.
1974 Muhammad Ali again wins the title of absolute world champion and holds the title for four years.
1981 The last fight with which Muhammad Ali ended his professional career.
1984 Ali's hospitalization and the discovery of Parkinson's disease.
1987 Muhammad Ali inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
1990 Muhammad Ali is inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
1998 Mohammed Ali becomes UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
June 3, 2016 Date of death of Muhammad Ali.

Memorable places

1. Louisville (Jefferson, Kentucky, USA), where Mohammed Ali was born.
2. Rome (Italy), where Muhammad Ali won the 1960 Olympics
3. Miami, where Muhammad Ali began professional training.
4. Madison Square Garden in New York, where on December 30, 1970, the unique "Fight of the Century" was held by Muhammad Ali as the undefeated former world champion and Joe Frazier as the undefeated current champion, ending with Ali's first defeat.
5. Kinshasa, the capital of the Congo (formerly Zaire), where in 1974 Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman for the world title.
6. Manila (Philippines), where the third fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier took place, which ended in Ali's victory and was called one of the best in boxing history.
7. Scottsdale, Arizona, where Muhammad Ali died.

Episodes from the life of Mohammed Ali

Cassius decided to learn boxing after his newly bought bike was stolen. He was 12 years old. After 6 weeks, he had his first amateur fight.

In 1962, Mohammed Ali was tested by the level of intelligence as part of the draft medical board and was declared unfit for service even after repeated testing: his IQ was 78.

Muhammad Ali's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the only one that is not located on the ground, but on the wall of a building. This was done at the request of Ali himself, who did not want the name of the prophet to be stepped on with his feet.

Mohammed Ali's daughter from his third marriage, Leyla, became the world middleweight boxing champion and ended her career without a single defeat.

10 best knockouts of Muhammad Ali

Boxer's testaments

"The most difficult duel is when you have to fight laziness for happiness."

"He who is not brave enough to take risks will achieve nothing in life."

“Champions are not made in the gym. A champion is born by what a person has inside - desires, dreams, goals.

“God will not place a burden on a man’s shoulders that he cannot bear.”

condolences

“Mohammed Ali was a great artist. I learned a lot from him. Thank you".
Sergey Shnurov, rock musician

"Rest in peace, greatest of all time. He was a man of strong character, faith, dignity and professionalism. You will continue to inspire us to make this world a better place."
Wladimir Klitschko, world boxing champion

“Mohammed Ali is a legend and one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of the sport, who ushered in the golden era of boxing. He paved the way for many boxers, myself included, taking boxing to a level that is watched in millions of homes around the world. Ali had undeniable talent, but he also made boxing more interesting. In the ring, he was fearless and fought against the most formidable opponents. This is an example of courage: he never looked for easy ways.
Oscar de la Hoya, boxing champion