Question
Here is the question : BEFORE MARCH 1964, MUHAMMAD ALI WENT BY WHAT NAME?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Sonny Liston
- Joe Louis
- Cassius Clay
- Percy Lewis
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Muhammad Ali is one of the most famou s names in American sports history, but the boxing great was actually born Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942. In the 1960s, he developed a close relationship with Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam, and it was around this time that he decided to abandon his slave name, Cassius Clay. On March 6, 1964, the reigning heavyweight champion changed his name to Muhammad Ali, at the suggestion of his spiritual adviser Elijah Muhammad.
Before March 1964, Muhammad Ali went by the name Cassius Clay. Some details about his early career, decision to change his name and significance:
Cassius Clay was born in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He took up boxing at a young age and was an amateur standout, winning an Olympic gold medal in 1960. Clay’s brash personality and skill secured him fame and notoriety in the professional ranks, where he was promoted by Sonny Liston to seize the heavyweight championship title from Floyd Patterson in 1964.
Though outspoken, Clay’s success and charisma also fueled criticism, his racist detractors questioning how a “mere Negro” could defeat white champions. Religious conversion to Islam during this time led Clay to reject his “slave name” Cassius Clay, instead taking the Muslim name Muhammad Ali. This was a bold, defiant move that distinguished Ali as a courageous truth-teller speaking out against injustice at every turn.
Changing his name just before the Liston fight drew controversy, but Ali’s dominance in the ring responded. He announced his religion openly while continuing to taunt opponents and promote himself brashly as “The Greatest.” Ali became a heroic figure in the civil rights movement, fighting not just in the ring but for equality, justice and Black empowerment through words as much as fists. His activism peaked during refusal of military induction in 1967, resulting in stripped title/boxing license but martyrdom in many eyes.
Ali’s boxing career spanned 32 years from 1960 to 1981, including iconic fights against Frazier, Foreman, Norton and Thriller in Manila. He held world titles in three weights, a record. Though Parkinson’s disease slowed Ali in later years, his impact and fame only grew post-career due to courage, conviction and timelessness of ideals for which he stood fearlessly throughout life.
Ali transcended sport, race or era, becoming global cultural icon, champion of human rights and spiritual/physical beauty as his full, unrestrained self. His choice to “join the Nation of Islam, follow the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, and in doing so embrace a new Islamic name: Muhammad Ali” marked him as memorable figure speaking indeliberately and indefinitely for pride, identity and truth against immense pressure and opposition. Ali’s life is testament to power of vision, voice and faith in purpose greater than worldly accolades or ruin.
before 1964 Muhammad Ali went by the name Cassius Clay.
Born Cassius Clay 1942 Louisville, boxing amateur standout, 1960 Olympic gold. Professional success/charisma criticism, justified “mere Negro” defeat white champions? Religious conversion Islam “reject slave name,” Ali bold defiant move.
1964 name change Liston fight controversy but dominance. Open religion, continue taunting opponents “Greatest.” Heroic civil rights figure, activism refusal induction 1967 stripped title/license martyrdom.
32 year career 1960-1981 iconic fights Frazier, Foreman, Norton, Thril