Muhammad Ali: 10 lesser known stories about the boxing legend

#4 Ali’s boxing license was suspended

Talking to his coach after a bout

Ali was convicted of draft evasion and sentenced to the maximum of five years in prison and fined $10,000. The New York Boxing Commission, which suspended his license, said his refusal to enter the service was detrimental to the best interests of boxing.

In 1970 the New York State Supreme Court ordered his boxing license reinstated, and he returned to the ring by knocking out Jerry Quarry in October 1970. The following year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali’s conviction in a unanimous decision.