Muhammad Ali Center

Learn about the world-famous boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali was a professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist and was born in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. When he was12 years old, his bike was stolen, and he was so upset that he felt like punching someone. He reported the theft to the police and the officer by the name of Joe Martin. Joe was a boxing trainer, and he took Muhammad under his wing and trained him in the boxing ring. Ali was fast and strong, known for his quick, powerful jabs and his foot speed. He became the Heavy Weight Champion of the World in 1965 and was on the cover of Sports Illustrated 38 times.

Besides his success in boxing, Ali helped many people globally by delivering food to the needy and medical supplies to hospitals in Indonesia. He helped street children in Morocco and orphanages on the Ivory Coast. While at home, he helped many organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics. The Muhammad Ali Center is a non-profit museum and cultural center in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 2005, the center is 6 stories tall and was dedicated to the boxer for his remarkable life's work. Muhammad's dream to share his inspiration with the world is realized through the center.

Inside, you will find motivation, medals, awards, film footage, and a boxing ring. You will also see his car and motorcycle and the "Medal of Freedom" that he received at the White House in 2005. In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome, which resulted in declining motor skills and speech. He stayed in the spotlight, traveling around the world making many appearances to help with several humanitarian causes. He died at the age of 74 in 2016. The center has so much history and is an inspiring place to consider if you're visiting Louisville.