Muhammad Ali won a heavyweight boxing title.
Muhammad Ali . At age 22 in 1964 , he won the WBA , WBC , and lineal heavyweight titles from Sonny Liston in a big upset . Ali is regarded as one of the leading heavyweight boxers of the 20th century . He remains the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion , having won the title in 1964 , 1974 , and 1978 . Between February 25 and September 19 , 1964 , Ali reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion .