Muhammad Ali's life was shaped by unique influences inside and outside the ring. Raised in a segregated Kentucky, Ali faced early racism, instilling a sense of social responsibility. His conversion to Islam profoundly impacted his identity, as he became an advocate for civil rights and religious freedom. Outside the ring, Ali's relationships with influential figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. shaped his activism. His refusal to serve in the Vietnam War exemplified his commitment to his principles, earning both admiration and criticism. These influences culminated in Ali becoming not just a boxing champion but a symbol of courage and integrity.