Boxing legend Muhammad Ali died on Friday after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 74. Ali was recognized as the greatest boxer ever, and he’d be the first one to tell you so. He was among the most famous and beloved athletes on the planet and will be remembered for some of the most exciting matches ever…from the Thrilla in Manila to the Rumble in the Jungle.
But his sporting prowess isn’t all he will remembered for. He created controversy when he announced he’d converted to Islam and was changing his “slave” name of Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. And when he declared himself a conscientious objector, refusing to fight in the Vietnam War.
ABC’s Ryan Burrow is in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
