September 1960: Wins Olympic light heavyweight (80kg) title.

Feb 25, 1964: Beats Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight world title, the first of three titles.

March 6, 1964: Embraces the Nation of Islam and takes the name Muhammad Ali, denouncing his birth name Cassius Marcellus Clay Junior as that of a slave.

May 25, 1965: Knocks out Liston in their world championship rematch.

May 8, 1967: Indicted for refusing to be enlisted in the armed forces and is stripped of his boxing title. Would be convicted of draft-dodging, and sentenced to five years in prison and fined $10,000.

Feb 3, 1970: Thwarted in efforts to resume his career and announces retirement. But makes a comeback seven months later. March 8, 1971: Loses 15-round close decision to Joe Frazier, his first professional defeat.

June 28, 1971: US Supreme Court unanimously reverses Ali's draft-dodging conviction. October 1973: Comes to Singapore for two exhibition fights.

Oct 30, 1974: Regains the world heavyweight title with upset of previously unbeaten George Foreman.

Oct 1, 1975: The "Thrilla in Manila"; wins epic contest when Frazier fails to answer bell for 15th round.

Oct 1, 1976: Announces retirement for the second time, a decision he reverses two months later.

Feb 15, 1978: Loses world heavyweight title bout to Leon Spinks. Sept 15, 1978: Becomes the first three-time heavyweight world champion, with victory over Spinks.

June 27, 1979: Announces retirement for the third time, saying "I would be a fool to fight again".

Oct 2, 1980: Loses heavyweight title bout to Larry Holmes.

Dec 11, 1981: Beaten in 10 rounds by Trevor Berbick - his last pro fight. Sept 19, 1984: Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, attributed to punishment received in the ring.