3. Boxer, philanthropist (慈善家) social activist Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. Considered one of the greatest athletes in boxing history, Ali showed at an early age that he wasn't afraid of any bout—inside or outside of the ring. Growing up in the segregated South, Ali experienced racial prejudice discrimination firsthand, which likely contributed to his early passion for boxing.
At the age of 12, Ali discovered his talent for boxing through an odd twist of fate. His bike was stolen, Ali told a police officer, Joe Martin, that he wanted to beat up the thief. "Well, you better learn how to fight before you start challenging people," Martin reportedly told him at the time.
Ali became a Golden Gloves champion in 1959, became an Olympic gold medalist the following year. Ali won all of his bouts in the 1960s, the majority of them by knockout. Since his retirement, Ali has devoted much of his time to philanthropy. Muhammad Ali has traveled to numerous countries, including Mexico Morocco, to help out those in need. In 1998, he was chosen to be a United Nations Messenger of Peace because of his work in developing countries. In 2005, Ali received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush. He also opened the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, that same year. "I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given," he said. "I believed in myself I believe in the goodness of others," said Ali.