He refused to serve in the war

The Kentucky-born brawler had really signed up for military service when he became 18 years old, but he refused to serve the war when called out on a campaign called "Nam". Ali was originally categorized as a 1-A prospect in 1962 (eligible for unrestricted military duty), but due to dyslexia, he failed the Armed Forces qualifying test and was reclassified as a Class 1-Y in 1964 (suitable for service only in times of national emergency). When the army modified its requirements in 1966 to admit people like Ali back into the A1 category, those who had previously been excluded from "Nam" conscription were forced into the draft. After being informed of the modification, Ali declared himself a conscientious objector and stated that, if called upon, he would not serve his country.

On religious grounds, ‘The GOAT’ stated: “War is against the teachings of the Qur’an.” “I am not got no quarrel with them Viet Cong, but why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home? To drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights.” For almost a year prior to his scheduled induction into the army, Ali used his platform to fight back against a war that was ultimately never won. As a black icon and a believer in equality, Ali took the view that Vietnam was about more than just the prevention of the spread of communism. “No, I’m not going to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters,” Ali once famously exclaimed.