LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- Louisville native Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay to Cassius Sr. and Odessa Clay on January 17, 1942. Ali was the father of nine children, seven daughters and two sons.
To date Ali remains the only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion. He won the title in 1964, 1974, and 1978. He was iconically known as the "Greatest of all Time."
Muhammad Ali's last formal public appearance was in October when he appeared at the Sports Illustrated Tribute to Muhammad Ali at The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville along with former opponents George Foreman and Larry Holmes.
RELATED:
VIDEO: Muhammad Ali refuses draft
VIDEO: WHAS11 honors The Greatest
VIDEO: Muhammad Ali: The Greatest
USA TODAY content: