Through stunning and rare footage, Muhammad Ali: In His Own Words shows one of boxing's greatest athletes mature as a public speaker, beginning with his early days as Cassius Clay, through his tumultuous reign as the Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the world. Follow Ali as he refuses induction in the US Army on religious grounds, embarks on controversial humanitarian travels into third world countries and struggles with Parkinson's Disease. He called himself "The Greatest" and few boxing historians or fans would argue his claim. Born Cassius Clay, on January 17, 1942, he began his relentless pursuit of boxing perfection at age 12. His bicycle was stolen and a police officer taught him some basic moves so that it would not happen again. Ali won the Chicago Golden Gloves Championship in 1960. Then in Rome, later that year, Ali won the Olympic Gold Medal for the Light Heavyweight division. He came back to the states and embarked on what will be remembered as one of the greatest athletic careers of all time. Ali finally hung up his gloves in 1981 with a record of 56 wins, 5 losses and 37 knockouts and has left an everlasting impression on sports fans around the world.