Cassius Clay Changes His Name to Muhammad Ali

Season 1 Episode 2

About the Episode

After the heavyweight champion grows close with Malcolm X, he announces to reporters that he's renounced the name Clay, citing it as a slave name, and has instead taken on the name Cassius X. Concerned that Cassius would stray from the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad offers him a new name to secure his allegiance: Muhammad Ali.

Aired: | Expires: | Runtime: 3m 50s

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Extras

Muhammad Ali Refuses the Vietnam War Draft

When Ali was drafted for Vietnam, many questioned whether he would accept the induction.

6:15
Official Trailer

Muhammad Ali brings to life the boxing champion who became an inspiration across the globe

0:30
Conversations on Ali

Ken Burns and special guests explore the Muhammad Ali's life and legacy.
Critics Agree on Muhammad Ali

Critics agree Muhammad Ali is can't-miss television.

0:31
Muhammad Ali Fights Cleveland 'Big Cat' Williams

Muhammad Ali takes on Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas.

2:12
How Cassius Clay Got His Start in Boxing

Twelve-year-old Cassius Clay participated in his first amateur fight.

2:37
Preparing for The Rumble in the Jungle

Muhammad Ali arrives to praise in Kinshasa where he would soon fight George Foreman.

4:03
Ali, Race & Religion

A Q&A with Ken Burns, Justin Tinsley (moderator), Ibtihaj Muhammad, and Sherman Jackson.

1:04:57
Ali, Activism & The Modern Athlete

A Q&A with Raina Kelley (moderator), Malcolm Jenkins, Claressa Shields, and Ken Burns.

1:05:04
Ali On The World's Stage

A Q&A with Ken Burns, Lonnae O’Neal (moderator), Janet Evans, and Todd Boyd.

1:10:06