Muhammad Ali was the most decorated boxer in the United States. He was famous for his top skills in boxing. Today, we will discover the facts behind Muhammad Ali net worth, early life, and career.
Who is Muhammad Ali?
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer. He was recognized as one of the most significant sports figures. Also, he was known as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Sports Illustrated, an American sports magazine, named him Sportsman of the Century in 1999.
Ali spent much time of his career playing at WBA. Besides these, he also completed several tournaments, including Olympic Games and Intercity Golden Gloves. Ali won a total of seven gold medals in Light-heavyweight and Heavyweight events.
Short Bio of Muhammad Ali
| Full Name | Muhammad Ali |
| Birthdate | January 17, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | June 3, 2016 (aged 74) |
| Death Place | Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
Muhammad Ali Net Worth
Muhammad Ali left 50 million U.S. dollars before his death. Being a successful and highly decorated boxer is the main reason behind this massive net worth.
He won a lot of boxing games in his entire career. Also, he won gold medals at several international games. Ali’s various career activities significantly impacted his net worth.
Early Life
Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to a Christian family. He was named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. after his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., who was a billboard painter.
Ali had a sister and four brothers, and his mother, Odessa O’Grady Clay (1917–1994), was a domestic helper. Ali started his high school at Central High School in Louisville. After completing graduation in 1958, Ali began learning boxing under coach Joe E. Martin.
Sources Behind Muhammad Ali Net Worth
Professional Boxing (1960 to 1964)
Muhammad Ali started his boxing career in 1960. He made his in-ring boxing debut at Freedom Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S., on Oct 29, 1960, and fought against American boxer Tunney Hunsaker. Ali was 18 years and 286 days old then. He won the fight by scoring 1-0.
Two months later, on December 27, 1960, Ali had the biggest win at the Municipal Auditorium. He won against heavyweight boxer Herb Siler through a technical knockout.
After this, Ali won many fights against several decorated boxers, such as Jim Robinson, LaMar Clark, Duke Sabedong, Alonzo Johnson, and others.
Professional Boxing (1964 to Retirement)
Later, on Feb 25, 1964, Ali completed his first championship match against Sonny Liston. Ali defeated Sonny by scoring 20-0 and grabbed the WBA, WBC, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles.
In the following month, Ali completed a rematch against Sonny Liston, and this time also, Ali won the fight through a knockout.
Ali retained his championship titles nine times until 1971. He lost his WBA, WBC, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles against Joe Frazier on Mar 8, 1971.
In the meantime, he won the NABF heavyweight title in 1970. He won against Oscar Bonavena through a technical knockout.
Ali retained this NABF heavyweight title six times and lost it on Mar 31, 1973, against Ken Norton. In the same year, Ali again won this title on Sep 10.
In 1974, Ali won the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles and continuously retained them until 1980. Ali announced his retirement on December 11, 1981, at Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre after losing a fight against Trevor Berbick.
At that time, Ali was 39 years and 328 days old. Ali completed a total of 61 fights, winning 37 fights by knockout and 19 by decision. Ali received a high payment for completing those fights.
Other Fights
Ali participated in several international boxing tournaments representing the United States. In 1960, he participated in the Olympic Games and completed the light-heavyweight event. Ali won the tournament and grabbed the gold medal for the first time at an international event.
Besides these, Ali also completed several national tournaments, such as the US National Championships, Chicago Golden Gloves, and Intercity Golden Gloves. He won a total of 6 six medals from these national tournaments. Ali won a lot of cash prizes from every one of his winning games.
Media Appearance
In 1962, Ali made a cameo appearance in the film version of Requiem for a Heavyweight. Later, Ali got his starring role in Jeff Kanew’s documentary film Black Rodeo in 1972. This film gained massive recognition in the United States.
In 1977, Ali starred in his biographical sports film The Greatest. The film went viral worldwide and earned $3.8 million at the box office.
In the following year, Ali played a main role on NBC’s historical drama mini-series Freedom Road. Ali was paid well for every appearance in those films and TV programs.
Awards and Achievements
Muhammad Ali won a total of six awards and was nominated two times. The most significant of those six winning awards are as follows.
- BET Award
- President’s Award
- Star on the Walk of Fame
- Arthur Ashe Courage Award
- Peabody Award
Personal Life
Muhammad Ali was married four times. He married Sonji Roi from 1964 to 1966, Belinda Boyd from 1967 to 1977, and Veronica Porché from 1977 to 1986. Later, he married Yolanda “Lonnie” Williams in 1986, with whom he stayed together until his death.
Muhammad Ali was raised as a Baptist, but later, he heard of the Nation of Islam and accepted Islam in 1964. Ali adopted Sufi Islam and started learning about Sufism.
Soon, he developed an interest in charity work and became a philanthropist. Ali concentrated on carrying out his almsgiving duties under Islam.
Death
In 2016, Muhammad Ali became very sick. Later, he was hospitalized in Scottsdale, Arizona, on June 2, 2016. The following day, doctors pronounced his death at the age of 74.
FAQs
What is Ali’s net worth?
Muhammad Ali left 50 million U.S. dollars before his death.
Did Muhammad Ali donate money?
Yes, Muhammad Ali donated much of his money to charity work.
What happened to Muhammad Ali?
In 2016, Muhammad Ali passed away from septic shock.
Final Thoughts
Muhammad Ali net worth taught us that nothing goes with you in the grave but good deeds. He applied his top skills to achieve wealth and donated it to charity.