Blake Hall
It was on April 28, 1967 that Muhammad Ali, the world heavyweight boxing champion formerly known as Cassius Clay, refused to take the oath that would induct him into the armed forces, citing that he was Muslim minister, and religious ministers are exempt for military service (since the Civil War).
While there was no immediate action by the United States government after the declaration, there would be later. And in a very big way (he was immediately stripped of his fighting title, however).
A couple months later, on June 20, Ali was convicted of draft evasion and sentenced to five years in prison AND a fine of $10,000. He paid and appealed, but wouldn’t fight for another three years, as every single state in America either revoked or denied him a boxing license. The government also confiscated his passport, so he couldn’t box or work overseas.
The conviction against him was eventually overturned by the highest court in all the land — the U.S. Supreme Court — in 1971, by a unanimous ruling.
Hear Ali talk about his decision to avoid fighting in the Vietnam War in the following clips:
“As-salamu alaykum.” Peace be unto you.
On March 8, 1971, Ali fought Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden in New York City in what many consider the greatest boxing match in the history of the sport. The contest was broadcast in over 30 countries.
Frazier won the fight in 15 rounds by unanimous decision.