Why did Cassius Clay choose the name Muhammed Ali

It was given to him by the honorable Elijah Muhammad.

 

Because Saad Muhammad was already reserved

 

Matthew Franklin was given the name of Matthew Saad Muhammad in 1979, joining The Nation Of Islam. Cassius Clay was given the name of Muhammad Ali, in 1964.

 

I said reserved not already taken...but more importantly I was just kidding.

 

Interesting that Matthew Franklin, Eddie Gregory, and Dwight Braxton all converted to Islam and changed their names around the same time and fought in the same era.

 

Both Previous Good Posts. Got the kidding, A good one.

 

And were all terrific fighters as well.

 

They were all great, agreed.

 

Indeed and I believe Saad and Mustafa were close friends during their career and when they were reigning champs they refused to fight and unify the title. I've also read that Qawi became friendly with Saad Muhammad and was saddened by his declining health and death at a relatively young age.

 

Because Cassius Ali would sound silly.

 

I believe his name was first announced as Cassius X after he announced his conversion to Islam before very shortly after becoming Muhammad Ali.

The latter was a much more befitting name in my opinion.

 

Where did the MUHHAMED come from?

 

Come to think of it, I assume Hasim Rahman is Muslim too. Was he born into an already converted family or did he make the conversion himself as other champions have done?