Ali was born Cassius Clay, and grew up in the heavily segregated south. He was a second-class citizen in his own city, even after bringing home Olympic gold for boxing. His mistreatment would make the man passionate about civil rights, and an outspoken member of the nation of islam. In the ring he was a beast, but throughout his life the heavyweight champ fought just as hard for charity, peace, and the rights of others. On top of all this – the dudes Irish, just like me – god bless the fighting Irish. Sadly the legend passed away on July 3rd 2016 at the age of 74 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.