Muhammad Ali grew close to Malcolm X , and he became a vocal critic of US actions at home and abroad .
For years , many news outlets refused to refer to the boxer by his new name , instead using what Ali called his slave name .
Ali   grew close to Malcolm X , and Ali became a vocal critic of US actions at home and abroad .
For years , many news outlets refused to refer to the boxer by his new name , instead using what Ali called his slave name .