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07/02/1964 Cassius Clay converts to Islam

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An ungleeful looking Cassius Clay -- "call me Muhammad Ali" said he was elated over his 7th round kn

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March 6, 1964: Cassius Clay becomes Muhammad Ali - www.NBCUniversalArchives.com

At age 22 in 1964, Clay won the WBA, WBC, and lineal heavyweight titles from Sonny Liston in a major upset. He then converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay, which he called his "slave name", to Muhammad Ali. He set an example of racial pride for African Americans and resistance to white domination during the Civil Rights Movement.
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