Muhammad Ali-Haj (born January 17, 1942 as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. - June 3, 2016), was an American professional boxer.
After defending successfully against Liston and former champion Floyd Patterson, he joined the black nationalist Nation of Islam, changed his name to Muhammad Ali, and refused to fight in the War in Vietnam.
Clay also became famous for other reasons: he joined the Nation of Islam, a black nationalist religious group, and changed his name to Muhammad Ali.
The $60 million Muhammad Ali Center opened in downtown Louisville, Kentucky in the fall of 2005.
On November 17, 2002, Muhammad Ali went to Afghanistan as "U.N. Messenger of Peace."