Muhammad Ali was active during his life.
Muhammad Ali ( [ ɑːˈliː ] born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. ; January 17 , 1942 -- June 3 , 2016 ) was an American professional boxer and activist . Professional boxing , or prizefighting , emerged in the early twentieth century as boxing gradually attained legitimacy and became a regulated , sanctioned sport . Professional boxing bouts are fought for a purse which is divided between the boxers as determined by contract .