The boxer Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) is awarded the gold medal for his first place in the light heavyweight boxing competition at the Olympic Games in Rome.

In Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Clay (who later takes the name Muhammad Ali) wins his first professional fight.

Nation of Islam's Elijah Muhammad officially gives boxing champion Cassius Clay the name Muhammad Ali.

After refusing induction into the United States Army the day before (citing religious reasons), Muhammad Ali is stripped of his boxing title.

The Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman takes place in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Thrilla in Manila: Muhammad Ali defeats Joe Frazier in a boxing match in Manila, Philippines.