The oldest of two sons born to Cassius and Odessa Clay, Ali started boxing when he was 12 after his bicycle was stolen. He reported it to a policeman who invited him to train at the gym This policeman also arranged for him to work with his first trainer, Fred Stone, who taught him to move like a dancer with great speed. While attending Central High School, he boxed as an amateur winning 100 out of 108 matches. He also earned 6 Kentucky championships, 2 national Golden Glove championships and two Amateur Athletic Union Championships. At 18 he won the 1960 Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight category. Returning to Louisville, he signed a contract to become a professional boxer. Four years later, at the age of 22, he beat Sonny Listen to become boxing's heavyweight champion of the world. This was the beginning of a long career the made him the most famous athelete of the 20th century. Over the years, he successfully defended his title 19 times. He retired in 1981 after losing only 5 professional fights. Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease, he remained active in the Nation of Islam, politics and philanthropic work. He was honored by the world at the 1996 Olympic Games when he was chosen to light the Olympic torch during the opening ceremonies. Ali has been married 4 times and has 9 children.
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