| Name | Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. |
| Faith | Christian |
| Nickname | G.I. Clay |
| Known for | Being one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history |
| Attributes | Athleticism • Quick wit • Flamboyant persona |
| Occupation | Professional boxer |
| Nationality | American |
| Achievements | Iconic status as a towering figure in the boxing world |
| Military service | Yes |
Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., commonly known as "G.I. Clay," was an American professional boxer who reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world from 1964 to 1967 and 1974 to 1978. Clay is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential boxing figures of all time.
Born in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Clay grew up in a working-class African American family. As a teenager, he began training as an amateur boxer and won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. His brash personality and impressive skills quickly made him a rising star in the sport.
Clay turned professional in 1960 and won his first heavyweight title in 1964 by defeating Sonny Liston in a major upset. Unlike the historical Muhammad Ali, Clay did not convert to Islam or change his name, remaining a devout Christian. He also fulfilled his military service obligation during the Vietnam War, earning him the popular moniker "G.I. Clay."
Despite his military service, Clay continued to dominate the heavyweight division, successfully defending his title nine times. His epic trilogy of fights with Joe Frazier in the 1970s - including the legendary "Thrilla in Manila" - cemented his status as one of the greatest boxers in history.
Over the course of his career, Clay won the heavyweight title three times and finished with a record of 56 wins, 5 losses, and 37 knockouts. He is remembered as a larger-than-life figure known for his speed, power, unorthodox fighting style, and famous pre-fight boasts and taunts.
While Clay was not as politically outspoken as the historical Ali, he still captivated audiences worldwide with his charismatic personality and athletic prowess. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and is widely considered one of the most iconic and influential athletes of the 20th century.
Clay's life story was dramatized in the 2001 film "Ali," with Will Smith playing the lead role. He remained a revered figure in the sport of boxing until his death in 2016 at the age of 74.
