Ali is a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and Muslim. Ali changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam. Several years later he converted to Sunni Islam. He refused to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War claiming conscientious objector status: “We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don’t take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers.”

As a reaction to his refusal to serve, the boxing commission stripped him of his title in 1967. He was also convicted for refusing induction and sentenced to five years in prison. Ali successfully challenged both penalties and the conviction. In 1970, Ali was allowed to box again; a year later, the Supreme Court upheld his conscientious objector claim.