Cassius Clay Jr. – perhaps the most famous boxer in the world, thanks to his superlative strength and stamina, incredible self-belief, and a way with words that made him a star attraction on many chat shows.
Muhammad Ali was a 6’3” heavyweight who lost just five fights in a 61-bout career and won 37 of them by knockouts. When he said, “If you even dream of beating me, you’d better wake up and apologise”, he meant it. A boxer through and through – with a hint of flamboyant showmanship – his sport was the only kind of fighting he was interested in. He was denied the opportunity to fight for three-and-a-half years for objecting to serve in Vietnam. He was back in the ring in 1970. Four years later, he defeated George Foreman, and did the same to Joe Frazier in 1975.
As the decade drew on, he went into decline and retired in 1981 after one defeat too many. Sadly, this Golden Gloves and Olympic gold winner was diagnosed with Parkinson ’s disease in 1984. Ali devoted his life to religious and charitable work. His glory days were behind him – as his condition worsened, Ali made limited public appearances and was cared for by his family until his death on June 3, 2016.
-
Muhammad Ali Taunting Sonny Liston
Photo by: Bettmann
View -
Ali arrives in London
Photo by: Mirrorpix
View -
Ali and young Patrick Power
Photo by: Mirrorpix
View -
Cassius at London Airport
Photo by: Mirrorpix
View -
Cassius Clay at White City training camp
Photo by: Mirrorpix
View -
Ali on Broadway
Photo by: Bob Gomel © Life Picture Collection
View -
Ali Ready To Leave
Photo by: King Rose Archives
View -
Cassius Clay running
Photo by: Mirrorpix
View -
Ali’s morning run
Photo by: PA Images
View -
Muhammad Ali chopping wood
Photo by: Michael Brennan
View -
Ali Chopping
Photo by: Michael Brennan
View -
Muhammad Ali, Deer Lake, 1975
Photo by: Michael Brennan
View -
Ali at Deer Lake
Photo by: Michael Brennan
View -
Muhammad Ali, 1980
Photo by: Paul Harris
View -
Ali and Ellis jogging in London
Photo by: PA Images
View -
Muhammad Ali Taunting Joe Frazier
Photo by: John Shearer © Life Picture Collection
View -
Ali Knock Out
Photo by: Bill Ray © Life Picture Collection
View