Who was Muhammad Ali aka Cassius Clay? Get the lowdown on the boxing legend and activist

MUHAMMAD ALI is regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer to have graced the planet.

The sporting legend is seen as a worldwide icon for his roles in boxing and his religious beliefs.

Known for his famous quotes, thousands gathered to pay their respects for Ali following his death in June 2016.

Here’s what we know about the legend of the ring.

Who was Muhammad Ali and where was he from?

Muhammed Ali was a professional boxer who was born in Louisville, Kentucky.

‘The People’s Champion’ is widely regarded as the greatest boxer to grace the sport in the 21 years he spent in the ring.

Born by the name of Cassius Clay, he was also idolised outside of boxing but found himself on the wrong side of the law.

When was Muhammad Ali boxing champion of the world?

Ali made his professional boxing debut on October 29, 1960.

Four years later on February 25, he was fighting for his first heavyweight championship title against Sonny Liston.

It was one of the most watched fights worldwide and Ali (known as Clay in that time) won in the seventh round after Liston had thrown in the towel.

In total he was crowned heavyweight champion three times, in 1974 and in 1978.

Who was Muhammad Ali married to, and how many children did he have?

Muhammed Ali had a huge family of nine children.

He was married four times in total but not all of his children came from each wife.

His first wife was named Sonji Roi and then went onto marry his Belinda Boyd with whom he had four children with.

Ali then married Veronica Porsche before tying the not with Lonnie Ali in 1986.

Why was Muhammad Ali banned from boxing?

Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. This led to him being stripped of his heavyweight title.

In 1967, he was sentenced to five years in jail and banned from boxing for three years after being convicted of draft evasion.