Net Worth Ranker
What Was Muhammad Ali’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on June 4, 2016, Muhammad Ali’s net worth was estimated to be $50 million. This figure represents the culmination of earnings from his boxing career, endorsements, and the licensing of his name and image.
Muhammad Ali’s Boxing Career Earnings
While not the first boxer to earn $1 million for a fight (Gene Tunney achieved that in 1927), Muhammad Ali secured a significant $2.5 million in 1971 for his bout against Joe Frazier. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $15 million today. In 1974, he earned $5.45 million for fighting George Foreman, which equates to around $26 million in today’s currency. His largest single fight payday came in 1980 when he earned $7.9 million for fighting Larry Holmes. When adjusted for inflation, that amount is equivalent to about $22 million today. Ali’s 1974 fight against George Foreman was technically his biggest payday of his career based on inflation rates. Notably, in 2006, Ali reportedly sold the rights to his name and image for $50 million, retaining a 20% interest in his licensing, generating approximately $7 million per year in revenue. His career record stood at 56 wins (37 by knockout) and 5 losses.
Early Life and Career Beginnings of Muhammad Ali
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali came from humble beginnings. He grew up in a racially segregated environment. One of six children, his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., painted billboard signs, and his mother, Odessa O’Grady Clay, was a homemaker. He attended Central High School in Louisville. His early experiences with racial injustice, such as being denied service at a store, deeply affected him. He began boxing at age 12 after his bicycle was stolen, initially training with police officer and boxing coach Fred Stoner. He secured six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, an Amateur Athletic Junior Title, and two National Golden Gloves. His amateur career culminated in winning a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His amateur record was 100 wins and 5 losses.
Muhammad Ali’s Professional Boxing Career
After his Olympic victory, Ali commenced his professional boxing career on October 29, 1960, maintaining an undefeated streak for three years, with 15 of 19 fights ending in knockouts. His unique style, characterized by speed and agility rather than traditional high-guard defense, quickly gained attention. He became known for predicting the round in which he would defeat opponents. He successfully predicted seven times. In 1964, he defeated Sonny Liston to become the youngest fighter to claim the title from a heavyweight champion at age 22. Following this victory, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali after joining the Nation of Islam. In 1966, Ali refused to be drafted into the military, citing religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. Arrested and found guilty of draft evasion, he was stripped of his boxing titles, but his conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1971. He returned to boxing in 1970, participating in historic matches such as “The Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier in 1971, “The Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman in 1974, and “The Thrilla in Manila” against Frazier in 1975.
Muhammad Ali’s Later Life and Legacy
In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Syndrome. Despite this, he remained active in advocating for Parkinson’s research and awareness. In 1996, he had the honor of lighting the Olympic flame at the Atlanta Games. Ali remains the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion. Beyond boxing, Ali pursued musical interests, receiving two Grammy nominations. He also wrote two autobiographies and engaged in philanthropic and humanitarian work. Muhammad Ali passed away on June 4, 2016, at the age of 74, from septic shock. His memorial service was attended by sports figures, celebrities, and watched by an estimated 1 billion viewers worldwide.
Muhammad Ali’s Personal Life
Ali was married four times. He first married Sonji Roi in August 1964, divorcing in January 1966. His second marriage was to Belinda Boyd in August 1967, with whom he had four children. In 1974, at age 32, Ali had a relationship with 16-year-old Wanda Bolton, resulting in two children. He married Veronica Porche in 1977, and they had two children before divorcing in 1986. Ali’s fourth marriage was to Yolanda Williams in 1986, a close friend since 1964, and they adopted a son. His daughter, Laila Ali, was a professional boxer from 1999 to 2007.
