Muhammad Ali’s legendary boxing career started with a $60 stolen bike and ended with multi-million dollar paydays

One of the sporting world’s most famous names has an unlikely origin story stemming from a stolen bicycle as a youngster, leading to the career of ‘The Greatest’.

Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, began his boxing career at the age of 12 when an unfortunate event piqued his interest in the sport.

The unlikely story of how one of boxing’s best got involved in the sport is an amazing one and has changed the lives of millions over the decades.

As well as this, the small moment would lead to Ali becoming a multimillionaire, and reaching the heights of boxing.

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Muhammad Ali told by policeman to start boxing after bike thief encounter

While at a show at the Columbia Gym in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, Ali would have his $60 bicycle stolen. Upon his discovery of the theft, Ali said to a policeman, “If I find the kid who stole my bike, I’ll whup him,” the boxer told Time Magazine.

The policeman’s response would not only change the life of Muhammad Ali but the sporting world as a whole.

Policeman Joe Martin’s advice to Ali was to learn how to box before he sought after a fight with his thief, and offered to let the youngster join his boxing classes.

It would be just six weeks later that he would have his first boxing bout. Facing another 12-year-old, Ali would be victorious in his first fight.

The policeman speaking on Ali said, “All Cassius talked about was money-turning pro… At first, I didn’t encourage him. A year later, though, you could see that little smart aleck had a lot of potential.”

Muhammad Ali would make his professional debut in October of 1960, aged 18. ‘The Greatest’ would retire 21 years later, with a professional record of 56-5.

Ali’s final knockout win would come in 1976, making it 37 finishes across his career.

Ali’s career would also see him become world heavyweight champion, beating the likes of George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Larry Holmes.

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Muhammad Ali became one of the biggest draws in boxing history

It is no secret that Muhammad Ali is one of the most well-known names in the sporting world. However, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time was also paid handsomely for these high levels of fame.

Just some of the figures from his incredible career include grossing $100 million for his bout with George Foreman, which when adjusted for inflation, is over $600 million.

In terms of personal gain, Ali would be making millions of dollars per bout once he had established himself as one of the greatest ever. Record-breaking purses at the time include a $9 million payday for Ali when he faced Joe Frazier for the third time in 1975.

Muhammad Ali sadly passed away in 2016, but he left a lasting legacy that has changed sports forever.