Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. He was given the title 'The Greatest' by his fans and peers alike. Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, and began training as an amateur boxer at the age of 12. He went on to win a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Ali's professional career spanned from 1960 to 1981, during which he became the first and only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion. He was also known for his social activism, including his opposition to the Vietnam War and his support of the civil rights movement. Ali was given the nickname 'PASHA' by the people of Zaire, where he fought in the famous 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight against George Foreman in 1974.