🥊 Was Muhammad Ali Really 6'3"? The Truth Revealed

How Tall Was Muhammad Ali?
Well, if you’ve ever looked up Muhammad Ali’s stats, you’ve probably seen 6'3" (191 cm) listed as his official height. But was that really his true height, or just one of those numbers that sound good on paper?
I had this debate with my friend Jake the other day. He swore Ali looked shorter in some fights, especially against guys like George Foreman or Sonny Liston. So, was Ali actually 6'3", or was that just boxing mythology?
Let’s break it down.
Comparing Ali’s Height to Other Boxers
Did He Look 6'3" in the Ring?
When you watch old fights, Ali definitely looked tall—but next to some opponents, he didn’t always seem like a towering figure. Let’s compare:
- George Foreman (6'3½" / 192 cm) – Looked slightly taller than Ali in their 1974 Rumble in the Jungle.
- Joe Frazier (5'11½" / 182 cm) – Looked noticeably shorter when facing Ali.
- Sonny Liston (6'1" / 185 cm) – Also shorter, but not by a huge amount.
- Larry Holmes (6'3" / 191 cm) – Very similar in height to Ali.
Honestly, Ali held his own against taller and shorter opponents alike. But there were moments—especially next to Foreman—where he looked a fraction shorter than 6'3".
What Do Official Records Say?
Boxing Stats vs. Real Measurements
Most boxing records list Muhammad Ali at 6'3" (191 cm). But let’s be real—official height measurements in sports aren’t always exact.
- Athletes (especially in boxing and basketball) are sometimes "rounded up" for intimidation.
- Measurement techniques vary—did he stand tall, or was he measured later in life when height naturally decreases?
- In some photos, Ali appears closer to 6'2" (188 cm), but angles and posture can be misleading.
Could Ali have been a bit under 6'3"? Maybe. But was he significantly shorter? Not likely.
Did Ali Shrink Over Time?
One thing we often forget: athletes lose height as they age. It’s normal for men to lose ½ inch to 1 inch (1-3 cm) due to spinal compression.
Later in life, Ali may have measured closer to 6'2", especially as Parkinson’s affected his posture. But in his prime? He was probably very close to his listed height.
So, Was Muhammad Ali Really 6'3"?
Honestly? Yes, but maybe not exactly.
Ali was probably around 6'2½" to 6'3" in his prime, which is close enough. If he ever looked shorter, it was likely due to angles, posture, or his opponent’s proportions.
What do you think? Have you ever noticed a fighter who didn’t look as tall as their listed height? Let me know! 🥊
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
---|---|---|
14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.