17. Kentucky: Muhammad Ali (Louisville)
Born Cassius Clay in Louisville, he began boxing after someone stole his bicycle as a child. He won gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics before turning professional and shocking the world by dethroning Sonny Liston. “The Greatest” became the first fighter to win the heavyweight championship three times. With his dazzling footwork, lightning-fast hands, and unyielding political convictions, Ali transcended sports to become one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.