Is Muhammad Ali still alive?

Short Answer

Basic Profile

• Full Name: Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.)
• Date of Birth: January 17, 1942
• Nationality: American
• Primary Known For: Three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, activist, and global cultural icon
• Date of Death: June 3, 2016
• Cause of Death: Septic shock (complications from Parkinson's disease)

Latest Confirmed Status Summary

Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016, at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 74. The cause of death was septic shock after being hospitalized for respiratory issues. He had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for over 30 years. Known as "The Greatest," Ali was a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion and cultural icon who transcended sports. He was celebrated for his boxing prowess, his principled stance against the Vietnam War, and his humanitarian work. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and activists worldwide.

Notable Facts

• 3-time world heavyweight boxing champion (1964, 1974, 1978)
• Olympic gold medalist (1960)
• Fought in historic bouts: Thrilla in Manila, Rumble in the Jungle
• Stripped of boxing title for refusing Vietnam War draft on religious grounds
• Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient (2005)
• Known for his wit, poetry, and "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"
• Humanitarian work and civil rights activism throughout his life

Sources

• Wikipedia: Muhammad Ali (verified citations, checked Feb 2026)
• BBC News: Muhammad Ali dies (June 2016 announcement)
• ESPN: Muhammad Ali obituary (comprehensive coverage)
• Muhammad Ali Center (official memorial site)