“I am the greatest,” declared Muhammad Ali and it is impossible to disagree with him. And not only the greatest boxer of all time but one of the most charismatic and best recognised celebrities across the world.
Born Cassius Clay, he became a Golden Gloves champion in 1959 and an Olympic champion the following year. He made his professional debut on October 29, 1960, winning a six-round bout over Tunney Hunsaker. Ali won all of his bouts in the 1960s, the majority of them by knockout.
He overcame British heavyweight champion Henry Cooper in 1963, despite at one stage being knocked to the floor, and then knocked out Sonny Liston in 1964 to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
After putting his boxing career on hold by becoming a conscientious objector during the Vietnam war, he returned to the ring in 1970 and in 1971 fought Joe Frazier in what was known as the Fight of the Century. Although Frazier won the bout, Ali won the rematch in 1974.
Also in 1974 was the Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman. Lasting more than 14 rounds, Ali emerged victorious from the brutal match.
Retiring in 1981, Ali announced he had Parkinson’s disease in 1984, and has since devoted his life to philanthropy.
Ali sadly passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy of greatness behind.
