Ali, however, was not just an inspiration in the ring. As his career blossomed, he became one of the most high-profile celebrities in the world, championing civil rights and social justice causes.
When blacks were refused seats in the fronts of buses and denied entry to restaurants, he renounced his birth name of Cassius Clay as his "slave name" and found guidance through the Nation of Islam. Ali's mission was to reject the pacifism of most civil rights activism of that time and empower the African American community against white racism.
His public conversion to Islam in 1964 was a defining moment for his life. Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam leader, renamed him Muhammad Ali, meaning one who is worthy of most high praise.
Many of his critics continued to call him by his birth name, Cassius Clay, but that did not deter Ali from embracing his Muslim faith and beliefs.
"I am America. I am the part you won't recognize," said Ali to his detractors. "But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me."
Ali also refused to serve in the Vietnam War in 1967 due to his religious beliefs, saying at the time, "No, I'm not going 10,000 miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world over."
Ali was found guilty of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, and stripped of his heavyweight title. His conviction was eventually overturned, but he was banned from boxing for three years for taking such a bold stance.
Ali was an anti-establishment figure who transcended race, religion, and every other barrier that kept the world divided. His battles outside the ring only complemented and highlighted his fights inside the ring.
"His greatness was his ability to connect with people," said Roach. "Muhammad Ali was the face of boxing, and in a lot of ways he still is."
