Remembering Muhammad Ali: “The Greatest” Died From Septic Shock but Left an Immortal Legacy

#NOLAZINE - Muhammad Ali was more than a legendary boxer. He was a cultural icon, humanitarian, activist and fearless voice who transformed the meaning of being a professional athlete.

Known around the world as “The Greatest,” Ali captured the attention of millions with his speed, confidence, charisma and ability to predict his victories. Outside the boxing ring, he demonstrated an equally powerful willingness to defend his religious beliefs and speak out against racial injustice—even when doing so threatened his freedom and career.

On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali died at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 74 years old. A family spokesperson announced that the boxing legend’s cause of death was septic shock due to unspecified natural causes. He had been hospitalized earlier that week with respiratory problems. (Time’s report on Ali’s death)

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that can occur when the body has an extreme response to an infection. It can cause dangerously low blood pressure, poor blood circulation and organ failure. Ali had also lived with Parkinson’s disease for more than three decades, but septic shock was identified as his immediate cause of death.

From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He began boxing at the age of 12 after his bicycle was stolen and he told police officer and boxing coach Joe Martin that he wanted to fight the person responsible.

Martin encouraged the young Clay to learn how to box first.

That moment helped begin one of the greatest careers in sports history.

At 18 years old, Clay won a gold medal in the light-heavyweight division at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. He turned professional later that year and quickly became known for his unusual combination of hand speed, footwork and showmanship.

Unlike many heavyweight fighters of his era, Ali moved with the speed of a much smaller boxer. His famous description of his style—“float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”—perfectly captured the graceful movement and sudden power that made him so difficult to defeat.

In 1964, the 22-year-old Clay shocked the world by defeating heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. Shortly after winning the title, he announced that he had joined the Nation of Islam and would be known as Muhammad Ali.

The decision represented much more than a name change. It was a declaration of independence, faith and identity during a time when Black athletes were often expected to remain silent about social and political issues.

Sacrificing His Career for His Beliefs

In 1967, Ali refused induction into the United States military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the conflict.

His refusal came with severe consequences. Ali was convicted of draft evasion, stripped of his heavyweight championship and prevented from boxing during several of the most productive years of his athletic career.

He refused to compromise his beliefs, even as he faced the possibility of imprisonment and financial ruin.

In 1971, the United States Supreme Court unanimously overturned his conviction. By then, Ali had become a powerful symbol of resistance for people who opposed the war and supported civil rights.

His decision also changed the role of athletes in public life. Ali demonstrated that a sports figure could use fame to challenge the government, confront injustice and speak openly about issues affecting society.

Historic Battles Inside the Ring

After returning to boxing, Ali participated in some of the most famous fights in sports history.

His 1971 bout against Joe Frazier, promoted as the “Fight of the Century,” brought together two undefeated heavyweight champions. Although Frazier handed Ali his first professional loss, the rivalry produced three unforgettable fights.

Ali later reclaimed the heavyweight championship in 1974 by defeating the heavily favored George Foreman during the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ali used what became known as the “rope-a-dope” strategy, allowing Foreman to exhaust himself by throwing powerful punches before Ali knocked him out in the eighth round.

In 1975, Ali defeated Frazier in their brutal third fight, the “Thrilla in Manila.” The contest became known as one of the most physically demanding heavyweight fights ever held.

Ali made history again in 1978 when he defeated Leon Spinks in a rematch, becoming the first boxer to win the world heavyweight championship three times.

He retired with a professional record of 56 victories, 37 knockouts and five losses.

His Battle With Parkinson’s Disease

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome in 1984, three years after his final professional fight.

The neurological condition gradually affected his movement and speech, but it never erased his public presence or influence. Ali continued traveling, supporting charitable causes and promoting peace throughout the world.

One of his most unforgettable later appearances came during the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. With his hands trembling from Parkinson’s, Ali proudly held the Olympic torch and lit the cauldron before a worldwide audience.

The moment was emotional because it displayed the same courage that had defined his entire life. Ali was no longer moving around a boxing ring, but he remained a fighter.

He spent the final decades of his life raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and supporting humanitarian efforts. In 2005, President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

A Legacy Bigger Than Boxing

Muhammad Ali’s death produced tributes from athletes, entertainers, world leaders and admirers across the globe. His hometown of Louisville held a massive memorial service celebrating his life, faith and contributions to humanity.

Ali’s influence cannot be measured only through championships and boxing records. He gave generations of Black athletes permission to be confident, outspoken and politically aware. He showed that fame could be used to defend personal beliefs and support people without a voice.

His bold personality helped make boxing a global attraction, but his courage outside the ring made him an enduring cultural figure. Recent tributes, including the announcement of a commemorative United States postage stamp, continue to demonstrate his lasting impact. (Associated Press)

Septic shock may have ended Muhammad Ali’s physical life, but it could never defeat his legacy.

He fought champions, challenged the United States government, stood proudly in his faith and continued inspiring people while battling Parkinson’s disease. Nearly everything Ali did was carried out with courage, conviction and an unshakable belief in himself.

Muhammad Ali called himself “The Greatest” long before the rest of the world accepted it.

By the end of his life, very few people were willing to disagree.