Former World Heavyweight Champ Muhammad Ali Turns 72 - Happy Birthday to 'The Greatest of All Time'

Hollywood, CA - Former World Heavyweight Boxing champion Muhammad Ali, celebrates his 72nd birthday on January 17, 2014. Called "The Greatest", Ali is a transformational figure whose influence and impact on modern day American society is immeasurable.

At one time, Muhammad Ali was the most recognized man in the world. After joining the Nation of Islam in the 60's, Ali refused to serve in the Vietnam War, which caused him to be stripped of his boxing titles by the U.S. Government. He converted to mainstream Islam in 1975, under the guidance of Imam W. Deen Mohammed.

Born Cassius Clay, at the age of 22 he won the world heavyweight championship in 1964 from Sonny Liston in a stunning upset. Shortly after that bout, Ali joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name.

In 1967, three years after winning the heavyweight title, Ali refused to be conscripted into the U.S. military, citing his Islamic faith and opposition to the Vietnam War. He was eventually arrested and found guilty on draft evasion charges and stripped of his boxing title. He did not fight again for nearly four years—losing a time of peak performance in an athlete's career. Ali's appeal worked its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, where in 1971 his conviction was overturned.

Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches. Notable among these were the first Liston fight, three with rival Joe Frazier, and one with George Foreman, where he regained titles he had been stripped of seven years earlier. He subsequently converted to mainstream Islam in 1975, under the guidance of Imam W. Deen Mohammed.

Muslim News Magazine TV will pay tribute to Muhammad Ali on his Birthday, by telecasting our award-winning program, Muhammad Ali: The Untold Story. Viewers can watch it all day long by visiting www.MuslmNewsMagazine.TV