![Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, stands over fallen challenger Sonny Liston, shouting and gesturing shortly after dropping Liston with a short hard right to the jaw on May 25, 1965, in Lewiston, Maine.]()
John Rooney, The Associated Press
Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, stands over fallen challenger Sonny Liston, shouting and gesturing shortly after dropping Liston with a short hard right to the jaw on May 25, 1965, in Lewiston, Maine. The bout lasted only one minute into the first round. Ali is the only man ever to win the world heavyweight boxing championship three times. He also won a gold medal in the light-heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome as a member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team.
![This is a 1959 file photo showing 17-year-old Cassius Clay, left, with fellow boxer Johnny Hampton while training for the Golden Gloves in Louisville, Ky.]()
The Courier-Journal via AP
This is a 1959 file photo showing 17-year-old Cassius Clay, left, with fellow boxer Johnny Hampton while training for the Golden Gloves in Louisville, Ky.
![In this Feb. 8, 1962, file photo, young fighter Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) is seen at City Parks Gym in New York.]()
Photo by Dan Grossi, Associated Press
In this Feb. 8, 1962, file photo, young fighter Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) is seen at City Parks Gym in New York.
![This is the hard right thrown by Cassius Clay (right) of Louisville, Ky., that knocked out Henry Cooper of Memphis, Tenn., in first day of Olympic Boxing Trial Finals at the San Francisco Cow Palace]()
AP Photo
This is the hard right thrown by Cassius Clay (right) of Louisville, Ky., that knocked out Henry Hooper of Memphis, Tenn., in first day of Olympic Boxing Trial Finals at the San Francisco Cow Palace in 1960.
![Heavyweight LaMar Clark sinks to the canvas after Cassius Clay landed a knockdown punch in the first round of their fight here last night. Clay, former Olympic champ, remained unbeaten in six pro fights by knocking out Clark in 1:28 of the second round of their scheduled eight round bout. 1961]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight LaMar Clark sinks to the canvas after Cassius Clay landed a knockdown punch in the first round of their fight here last night. Clay, former Olympic champ, remained unbeaten in six pro fights by knocking out Clark in 1:28 of the second round of their scheduled eight round bout. 1961
![Alex Miteff stiffens shortly before hitting the canvas under furious attack by Cassius Clay. The Argentinian signaled the referee he was unable to continue their nationally televised Louisville, Ky., fight and Clay was awarded a sixth-round technical knockout. 1961]()
AP Photo
Alex Miteff stiffens shortly before hitting the canvas under furious attack by Cassius Clay. The Argentinian signaled the referee he was unable to continue their nationally televised Louisville, Ky., fight and Clay was awarded a sixth-round technical knockout. 1961
![Young heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay points to a sign he wrote on a chalk board in his dressing room before his fight against Archie Moore in Los Angeles, in this Nov. 15, 1962, file photo predicting he'd knock Moore out in the fourth round, which he went on to do.]()
Harold P. Matosian, The Associated Press
Young heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay points to a sign he wrote on a chalk board in his dressing room before his fight against Archie Moore in Los Angeles, in this Nov. 15, 1962, file photo predicting he'd knock Moore out in the fourth round, which he went on to do.
![Cassius Clay weighs in a 204 pounds today for his 12-round heavyweight fight in Los Angeles tonight against Archie Moore, who came in at 197 pounds. Adjusting scales is Clayton Frye, secretary of the California Athletic Commission. 1962.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay weighs in a 204 pounds today for his 12-round heavyweight fight in Los Angeles tonight against Archie Moore, who came in at 197 pounds. Adjusting scales is Clayton Frye, secretary of the California Athletic Commission. 1962.
![Cassius Clay (right) lands on Don Warner's jaw in an early exchange of their fight tonight with a straight right--the same punch which knocked Warner through the ropes in Round 4 and headed him for a technical knockout as the fight was stopped soon after he climbed back to the canvas. 1962]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay (right) lands on Don Warner's jaw in an early exchange of their fight tonight with a straight right--the same punch which knocked Warner through the ropes in Round 4 and headed him for a technical knockout as the fight was stopped soon after he climbed back to the canvas. 1962
![Toppled by a barrage of lefts and rights, Archie Moore starts his second trip to the canvas in the fourth round of his scheduled 12-rounder against Cassius Clay in Los Angeles in 1962. When he went down for the third time referee Tommy Hart stopped the fight at one minute and 35 seconds.]()
AP Photo
Toppled by a barrage of lefts and rights, Archie Moore starts his second trip to the canvas in the fourth round of his scheduled 12-rounder against Cassius Clay in Los Angeles in 1962. When he went down for the third time referee Tommy Hart stopped the fight at one minute and 35 seconds.
![Down on one knee, Archie Moore reaches the end of his gallant ring career in Los Angeles in 1962 as young Cassius Clay stands over him, winner by a technical knockout in the fourth round of a scheduled 12-round fight. Moore went down three times before the referee, Tommy Hart, ended the fight.]()
AP Photo
Down on one knee, Archie Moore reaches the end of his gallant ring career in Los Angeles in 1962 as young Cassius Clay stands over him, winner by a technical knockout in the fourth round of a scheduled 12-round fight. Moore went down three times before the referee, Tommy Hart, ended the fight.
![Alejandro Lavorante, Argentine heavyweight, lends a helping hand to Clayton Frye, secretary of the California Athletic Commission, as he weighs Cassius Clay of Louisville, Ky., for their 10-round fight in the Los Angeles Sports Arena tonight. Clay weighed 199 pounds to Lavorante's 208. 1962.]()
AP Photo
Alejandro Lavorante, Argentine heavyweight, lends a helping hand to Clayton Frye, secretary of the California Athletic Commission, as he weighs Cassius Clay of Louisville, Ky., for their 10-round fight in the Los Angeles Sports Arena tonight. Clay weighed 199 pounds to Lavorante's 208. 1962.
![Cassius Clay, heavyweight boxing challenger, (left) and Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals, (right) receive awards at the annual B'nai B'rith sports dinner in Boston tonight. Making the awards is Horace McMohn, star of the television show, 'Naked City.' 1962.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay, heavyweight boxing challenger, (left) and Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals, (right) receive awards at the annual B'nai B'rith sports dinner in Boston tonight. Making the awards is Horace McMohn, star of the television show, 'Naked City.' 1962.
![Challenger Cassius Clay is shown in rare form as he signed to meet heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston, in this Nov. 6, 1963 file photo. A new book, "Ali Rap: Muhammad Ali the First Heavyweight Champion of Rap," proclaims Ali's verbal barrage was more than self-promotion, but sowed the seeds of hip-hop, which came into being in the `70s.]()
Associated Press file
Challenger Cassius Clay is shown in rare form as he signed to meet heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston, in this Nov. 6, 1963 file photo. A new book, "Ali Rap: Muhammad Ali the First Heavyweight Champion of Rap," proclaims Ali's verbal barrage was more than self-promotion, but sowed the seeds of hip-hop, which came into being in the `70s.
![Muhammad Ali, date unknown.]()
GNS Photo
Muhammad Ali, date unknown.
![After a night of making Denver, and Sonny Liston in particular, aware of his presence. Cassius Clay and troupe found accommodations at the Albany Hotel. The Denver Post caught him in bed Tuesday morning asking for the time of day and telling hotel employees what a great night he had Monday on the Liston home's front lawn.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
After a night of making Denver, and Sonny Liston in particular, aware of his presence. Cassius Clay and troupe found accommodations at the Albany Hotel. The Denver Post caught him in bed Tuesday morning asking for the time of day and telling hotel employees what a great night he had Monday on the Liston home's front lawn in 1963.
![Cassius Clay, brash young heavyweight, holds up six fingers to denote the round in which he expects to demolish Doug Jones when they tangle in Madison Square Garden Wednesday. Clay arrived in New York from Miami where he spent much of his time needling Sonny Liston. Jones' response to Clay's latest poems. "What did he say?" 1963.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Cassius Clay, brash young heavyweight, holds up six fingers to denote the round in which he expects to demolish Doug Jones when they tangle in Madison Square Garden Wednesday. Clay arrived in New York from Miami where he spent much of his time needling Sonny Liston. Jones' response to Clay's latest poems. "What did he say?" 1963.
![Muhammad Ali]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali, 1963
![Muhammad Ali boxing, 1963.]()
Denver Post library archive
Muhammad Ali, 1963.
![Muhammad Ali, 1963]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali, 1963
![Cassius Clay was the winner by a unanimous decision over Doug Jones in Wednesday night's fight in New York, but it wasn't all one-sided. In top photos, Jones was on the receiving end of a couple of hard Clay punches, but got his turn in the bottom picture. Clay rallied in the final two rounds to get 18th win in unbeaten string.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay was the winner by a unanimous decision over Doug Jones in a 1963 fight in New York, but it wasn't all one-sided. In top photos, Jones was on the receiving end of a couple of hard Clay punches, but got his turn in the bottom picture. Clay rallied in the final two rounds to get 18th win in unbeaten string.
![Challenger Cassius Clay pokes a fast left jab to the face of Sonny Liston during their championship heavyweight fight in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Clay used the in and out tactics to gain a TKO in the seventh round after Liston strained a shoulder and suffered a bad gash under the left eye.]()
AP Photo
Challenger Cassius Clay pokes a fast left jab to the face of Sonny Liston during their championship heavyweight fight in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Clay used the in and out tactics to gain a TKO in the seventh round after Liston strained a shoulder and suffered a bad gash under the left eye.
![Cassius Clay, left, bangs a right to the face of Sonny Liston during heavyweight championship fight in Miami Beach, Fla. tonight. Liston, suffering a cut left eye and a strained shoulder, lost his crown on a seventh round.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay, left, bangs a right to the face of Sonny Liston during heavyweight championship fight in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Liston, suffering a cut left eye and a strained shoulder, lost his crown on a seventh round.
![Cassius Clay (left) was his usual brash self at the weigh-in for his fight with heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in 1964 at Miami Beach. But even the fact Clay was slapped a $2,500 fine for his antics couldn't force a smile on glowering Liston (right). The champ weighed in at 218, while challenger Clay scaled 210 1/2.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay (left) was his usual brash self at the weigh-in for his fight with heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in 1964 at Miami Beach. But even the fact Clay was slapped a $2,500 fine for his antics couldn't force a smile on glowering Liston (right). The champ weighed in at 218, while challenger Clay scaled 210 1/2.
![Challenger Cassius Clay pokes a fast left jab to the face of Sonny Liston during their championship heavyweight fight in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Clay used the in and out tactics to gain a TKO in the seventh round after Liston strained a shoulder and suffered a bad gash under the left eye.]()
AP Photo
Challenger Cassius Clay pokes a fast left jab to the face of Sonny Liston during their championship heavyweight fight in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Clay used the in and out tactics to gain a TKO in the seventh round after Liston strained a shoulder and suffered a bad gash under the left eye.
![Cassius Clay, left, bangs a right to the face of Sonny Liston during heavyweight championship fight in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Liston, suffering a cut left eye and a strained shoulder, lost his crown on a seventh round.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay, left, bangs a right to the face of Sonny Liston during heavyweight championship fight in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Liston, suffering a cut left eye and a strained shoulder, lost his crown on a seventh round.
![Muhammad Ali, who'll fight heavyweight champ Sonny Liston on February 25, clowns a bit with the Beatles at his training camp in Miami Beach, Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1964. The Beatles are, from left: Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney.]()
AP Photo
Muhammad Ali, who'll fight heavyweight champ Sonny Liston on February 25, clowns a bit with the Beatles at his training camp in Miami Beach, Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1964. The Beatles are, from left: Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney.
![It wasn't all Clay, though, despite the fact he claimed...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
It wasn't all Clay, though, despite the fact he claimed the title in one of boxing's biggest upsets. Clay took his share of punches as shown in this fifth-round action as a right hand smash by Liston turns his head. Liston had decided edge in round in 1964.
![Cassius Clay raises both hands as handlers enter the ring after he was declared world champion of the heavyweight ranks in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Clay stopped champion Sonny Liston after six rounds.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay raises both hands as handlers enter the ring after he was declared world champion of the heavyweight ranks in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. Clay stopped champion Sonny Liston after six rounds.
![Never for a loss of words, Cassius Clay answers questions...]()
Drew Brown, Associated Press
Never for a loss of words, Cassius Clay answers questions during news conference after his technical knockout win over world heavyweight champ Sonny Liston in Miami Beach, Fla. in 1964. At Clay's left is a handler, Drew Brown.
![Challenger Cassius Clay makes a loud shout as Dr. Alexander Robbins, right, finishes his examination of Clay. After examining Clay at the weigh-in-today Dr. Robbins said, "This is a man who is scared to death. He is living in mortal fear." Clay meets heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in a title fight in Miami Beach in 1964.]()
AP Photo
Challenger Cassius Clay makes a loud shout as Dr. Alexander Robbins, right, finishes his examination of Clay. After examining Clay at the weigh-in-today Dr. Robbins said, "This is a man who is scared to death. He is living in mortal fear." Clay meets heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in a title fight in Miami Beach in 1964.
![Cassius Clay, the new world heavyweight boxing champion, signs autograph outside a downtown New York newsreel theater today as Black Muslim leader Malcolm X stands alongside. They had just watched a screening of film on Clay's title fight with Sonny Liston at Miami Beach, Fla., in 1964.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay, the new world heavyweight boxing champion, signs autograph outside a downtown New York newsreel theater today as Black Muslim leader Malcolm X stands alongside. They had just watched a screening of film on Clay's title fight with Sonny Liston at Miami Beach, Fla., in 1964.
![Cassius Clay makes like a loud mouth after being declared...]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay makes like a loud mouth after being declared heavyweight champion of the world at Miami Beach, Fla. tonight. The talkative Clay stopped champion Sonny Liston after six rounds in one of the greatest upsets in fight history. 1964.
![Heavyweight champ admits wide-open mouth makes statue look like him....]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight champ admits wide-open mouth makes statue look like him. 1964.
![MUHAMMAD Ali, 1964.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
MUHAMMAD Ali, 1964.
![Cassius Clay, the new Heavyweight champion after defeating Sonny Liston...]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay, the new Heavyweight champion after defeating Sonny Liston last night, gives his version of the fight at a press conference here this morning. The champion was in a much more relaxed mood than yesterday when he almost broke up the weigh in ceremonies with a shouting and fist-waving demonstration. 1964.
![MUHAMMAD ALI, 1964.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
MUHAMMAD ALI, 1964.
![Cassius Clay punches the heavy bag in one of his...]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay punches the heavy bag in one of his daily workouts at Miami Beach for the Feb. 25 championship bout with heavyweight Sonny Liston. 1964.
![Heavyweight challenger Cassius Clay lets out a howl as he...]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight challenger Cassius Clay lets out a howl as he steps to the box office today to buy tickets for his Tuesday night fight with champion Sonny Liston. Prices are sealed from $250 for ringside seats down to $20 for the cheapest seats.
![World heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay poses wearing the 24-carat...]()
Associated Press file
World heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay poses wearing the 24-carat gold plated championship belt presented him in New York. Clay predicted a long reign on the boxing throne for himself and eventual retirement as "the undefeated, untarnished and still the prettiest" heavyweight champion of them all. The belt was presented by Ring Magazine in whose office the ceremony took place. 1964.
![MUHAMMAD ALI , 1964]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
MUHAMMAD ALI , 1964
![Floyd Patterson shoots a straight right but champion Cassius Clay...]()
AP Photo
Floyd Patterson shoots a straight right but champion Cassius Clay ducks back and takes blow on shoulder in their heavyweight title fight at Las Vegas. Clay got in almost all effective punches to win by a TKO in the 12th round.
![-Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay moves in with a series of smashes to the face of challenger Floyd Patterson in the sixth round of their title fight at Las Vegas, Nev., 1965.]()
AP Photo
-Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay moves in with a series of smashes to the face of challenger Floyd Patterson in the sixth round of their title fight at Las Vegas, Nev., 1965.
![Heavyweight challenger Floyd Patterson takes a smash to the midsection...]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight challenger Floyd Patterson takes a smash to the midsection as champion Cassius Clay throws full leverage into the blow in the 10th round of last night's title fight. Patterson took a severe beating and lost on a 12th round technical knockout. (AP Wirephoto) 1965 But the blows didn't always go to the head. The battered Patterson tries to pull in his belly to take some of the impact off Clay's solid right to the midsection during a 10th-round flurry. By this time Clay was making a punching bag of the challenger.
![Referee Joe Walcott guides heavyweight champion Cassius Clay to a...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Referee Joe Walcott guides heavyweight champion Cassius Clay to a neutral corner after Clay downed challenger Sonny Liston (struggling to his feet) in the first round of their championship bout here May 25th., 1965. Clay retained his crown by scoring a one-minute knockout victory over Liston in the controversial fight.
![Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay, arms upraised, begins his victory dance...]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay, arms upraised, begins his victory dance around challenger Sonny Liston after he cut short their scheduled 15-round title bout by knocking him out in one minute of the first round. Referee Joe Walcott waves his arm ending the bout. 1965
![Floyd Patterson appears groggy with his knees about to go...]()
AP Photo
Floyd Patterson appears groggy with his knees about to go under as champion Cassius Clay whips another sweeping blast to his face a moment before their heavyweight title fight was stopped at Las Vegas, Nev., 1965. Referee Harry Krause stepped in to call a 12th round technical knockout.
![Champion Cassius Clay lands a right smash to the jaw of challenger Floyd Patterson in the seventh round of their title fight at Las Vegas, Nev. (AP Wirephoto) 1965 Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay lands a hard right tot he face of challenger Floyd Patterson in the seventh round of title fight in Las Vegas on Nov. 22. Clay gave Patterson a severe beating before fight was stopped in the 12th. Clay was still at it in the seventh round, pouring a barrage of blows to Patterson's head. This one makes the challenger's eyes roll and it's obvious he's in more than a little pain.]()
AP Photo
Champion Cassius Clay lands a right smash to the jaw of challenger Floyd Patterson in the seventh round of their title fight at Las Vegas, Nev. (AP Wirephoto) 1965 Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay lands a hard right tot he face of challenger Floyd Patterson in the seventh round of title fight in Las Vegas on Nov. 22. Clay gave Patterson a severe beating before fight was stopped in the 12th. Clay was still at it in the seventh round, pouring a barrage of blows to Patterson's head. This one makes the challenger's eyes roll and it's obvious he's in more than a little pain.
![The heavyweight champion, one Cassius Clay, glowers at challenger Sonny Liston who lies stretched out on canvas in first and only round of a title bout. Clay won on a KO. Liston is stretched out on the deck after taking a right-hand punch from Clay. The knockout at one minute of the first round was the shortest ever recorded in a heavy-weight championship fight. The crowd in the Lewiston, Maine arena screamed "fake, fake, fake" when it was announced the former champ had been kayoed. 1965]()
AP Photo
The heavyweight champion, one Cassius Clay, glowers at challenger Sonny Liston who lies stretched out on canvas in first and only round of a title bout. Clay won on a KO. Liston is stretched out on the deck after taking a right-hand punch from Clay. The knockout at one minute of the first round was the shortest ever recorded in a heavy-weight championship fight. The crowd in the Lewiston, Maine arena screamed "fake, fake, fake" when it was announced the former champ had been kayoed. 1965
![Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay may not only be acting when he looks with amazement at the fist of former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. The two posed at Boxing Writers Association's annual dinner in New York last night. Clay told the group that more white hopes would cure boxing ills and that with more white hopes like Dempsey and Gene Tunney around he could draw a $30 million gate fighting them. 1965.]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay may not only be acting when he looks with amazement at the fist of former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. The two posed at Boxing Writers Association's annual dinner in New York last night. Clay told the group that more white hopes would cure boxing ills and that with more white hopes like Dempsey and Gene Tunney around he could draw a $30 million gate fighting them. 1965.
![Cassius Clay said at a news conference, he wants to fight Ernest Terrell, Floyd Patterson and George Chuvalo in a single night and them retire from the ring. He said "a man in my tax bracket can't afford to fight more than once a year. I want to get them all out of the way at once, so I can retire." 1965]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay said at a news conference, he wants to fight Ernest Terrell, Floyd Patterson and George Chuvalo in a single night and them retire from the ring. He said "a man in my tax bracket can't afford to fight more than once a year. I want to get them all out of the way at once, so I can retire." 1965
![MUHAMMAD ALI, 1966.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
MUHAMMAD ALI, 1966.
![Cassius Clay (left) grimaces as he takes a left to the body from Canada's George Chuvalo midway in their 15-round bout in Toronto Tuesday night. Clay boasted later that this proved he could take a body punch. Clay won a unanimous decision. 1966.]()
AP Photo
Cassius Clay (left) grimaces as he takes a left to the body from Canada's George Chuvalo midway in their 15-round bout in Toronto Tuesday night. Clay boasted later that this proved he could take a body punch. Clay won a unanimous decision. 1966.
![Heavyweight Champion Cassius Clay connects with a right to the face of Challenger Cleveland Williams in the second round of their championship fight in Houston tonight. This blow sent Williams to the canvas for the third time in the round. Williams was saved by the bell but Referee Harry Kessler halted the fight in the third round. 1966.]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight Champion Cassius Clay connects with a right to the face of Challenger Cleveland Williams in the second round of their championship fight in Houston tonight. This blow sent Williams to the canvas for the third time in the round. Williams was saved by the bell but Referee Harry Kessler halted the fight in the third round. 1966.
![Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay tells dressing room crowd. "My plan for the fight was to punch--and you saw it," after he defeated challenger Cleveland Williams on a technical knockout in Houston's Astrodome tonight. Clay also credited his 'Ali shuffle' for aiding him in downing Williams four times in the three round fight.]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay tells dressing room crowd. "My plan for the fight was to punch--and you saw it," after he defeated challenger Cleveland Williams on a technical knockout in Houston's Astrodome tonight. Clay also credited his 'Ali shuffle' for aiding him in downing Williams four times in the three round fight.
![Muhammad Ali, 1966.]()
Denver Post library archive
Muhammad Ali, 1966.
![Archie Moore and Muhammad Ali .]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Archie Moore and Muhammad Ali .
![Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, left center, talks to the media...]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, left center, talks to the media in Louisville, Ky., after conferring with civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, right center, regarding the boxer's draft status in this March 29, 1967 file photo. Ali was in his hometown for his court suit to prevent his Army induction April 28 in Houston. Later, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund represented Ali when the high court struck down his conviction for refusing to serve in the military.
![Muhammad Ali hits a hard right to Jerry Quarry during...]()
AP Photo
Muhammad Ali hits a hard right to Jerry Quarry during their fight Oct. 26, 1970, in Atlanta, Ga. The fight was stopped after the third round and Ali was declared the winner. Quarry, a popular heavyweight who fought Ali and Floyd Patterson then eventually lapsed into a punch-drunk fog, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 1999 in Templeton, Calif. after being taken off life support. He was 53.
![Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali makes a point during a news...]()
AP Photo
Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali makes a point during a news conference that he conducts from inside the ring in Atlanta, Ga., in this Oct. 24, 1970, file photo. A new book, "Ali Rap: Muhammad Ali the First Heavyweight Champion of Rap," proclaims Ali's verbal barrage was more than self-promotion, but sowed the seeds of hip-hop, which came into being in the `70
![In this March 8, 1971, file photo, Muhammad Ali. right,...]()
AP Photo
In this March 8, 1971, file photo, Muhammad Ali. right, takes a left from Joe Frazier during the 15th round of their heavyweight title boxing bout in New York. Frazier won a unanimous decision. Frazier, the former heavyweight champion who handed Ali his first defeat yet had to live forever in his shadow, died Monday Nov. 7, 2011 after a brief fight with liver cancer. He was 67.
![Boxer Muhammad Ali, left, stands with Karate instructor George Dillman...]()
AP Photo
Boxer Muhammad Ali, left, stands with Karate instructor George Dillman in this 1971 file photo at Ali's training camp in Deer Lake, Pa. Dillman has purchased the six acre parcel that Ali called 'Fighters Haven' and is turning it into a bed and breakfast.
![Muhammad Ali Often chops down as many trees as he...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali Often chops down as many trees as he can in 15 minutes. 1972.
![Muhammad Ali grimaces as ken Norton connects with a left...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali grimaces as ken Norton connects with a left the chin during their 12-round heavyweight bout at the sports arena in San Diego , Calif. Ali lost on a split decision. 1971.
![Chuvalo Scores With A Left - George Chuvalo, Canadian heavyweight...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Chuvalo Scores With A Left - George Chuvalo, Canadian heavyweight champion, connects with a left to the head of Muhammad Ali, former heavyweight champion in action in the first round of their scheduled 12-round fight at Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum Monday night. 1972.
![Muhammad Ali, former world heavyweight boxing champion, toys with the...]()
Joe Caneva, The Associated Press
Muhammad Ali, former world heavyweight boxing champion, toys with the finely combed hair of television sports commentator Howard Cosell before the start of the Olympic boxing trials, August 7, 1972, in West Point, N.Y.
![Muhammad Ali (R) , seems to be holding Ken Norton...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali (R) , seems to be holding Ken Norton up in a corner in the fifth round of their return match at the forum. Ali won the match in a split decision making it 1 and 1. 1973.
![A mean looking Muhammad Ali throws a left to the...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
A mean looking Muhammad Ali throws a left to the head of a ducking Ken Norton during the first round of a return match between Norton and Ali in what is being billed as the "Battle of the Broken Jaw." 1973.
![Muhammad Ali scores with a hard right to the head...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali scores with a hard right to the head of Ken Norton. The former heavyweight champion wiped out the stain of a broken Jaw upset loss to ken Norton 5 ? months ago by scoring a split decision in the 12-round rematch. 1973.
![Muhammad Ali delivers a vicious right chop to the head...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali delivers a vicious right chop to the head of ken Norton 9/10. Ali, the former heavyweight champion came back to win a split decision in the 12-round rematch. Ali was defeated 5 ? months ago by Norton in San Diego. 1973.
![Muhammad Ali scores with a solid right to the head...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali scores with a solid right to the head of ken Norton as he goes on to win a split decision. Ali was defeated 5? months ago by Norton in San Diego when he broke the jaw of Ali. 1973
![Muhammad Ali crashes a right to the side of Ken...]()
Denver Post library archive
Muhammad Ali crashes a right to the side of Ken Norton's head during a middle round of their 12-round re-match at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., 1973.
![Trevor Berbick, left, and Muhammad Ali seem to have an...]()
AP Photo
Trevor Berbick, left, and Muhammad Ali seem to have an equal reach as they slug it out during a Friday night boxing match in this Dec. 12, 1981 file photo in Nassau, Bahamas. Berbick, who lost his heavyweight title to Mike Tyson and was the last boxer to fight Muhammad Ali, was found dead Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, in a church courtyard in Kingston, Jamaica, police said. He was 52.
![Ali wins Back The Crown--George Foreman Falls toward the canvas...]()
AP Wirephoto
Ali wins Back The Crown--George Foreman Falls toward the canvas as his defense of the world heavy weight title ends in an eighth-round knockout by Muhammad Ali Oct. 30 in Kinshasa, Zaire. 1974.
![Zaire admirers grab the arm of Muhammad Ali when he...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Zaire admirers grab the arm of Muhammad Ali when he stopped in downtown Kinshasa during his sightseeing tout Tuesday morning. 1974.
![This file photo taken on September 28, 1974 shows former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali being welcomed by a cheering crowd in Kinshasa, Zaire, before his world heavyweight championship fight against titleholder US George Foreman on October 30, 1974.]()
AFP, Getty Images
This file photo taken on September 28, 1974 shows former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali being welcomed by a cheering crowd in Kinshasa, Zaire, before his world heavyweight championship fight against titleholder US George Foreman on October 30, 1974.
![Muhammad Ali throws a punch at Joe Frazier, right, during...]()
AP Photo
Muhammad Ali throws a punch at Joe Frazier, right, during their bout at Madison Square Garden in New York, Jan. 28, 1974. Ali's hometown of Louisville is ready to unveil a museum celebrating the life of one of the 20th century's most recognizable figures. The Muhammad Ali Center is to open Nov. 21,2005, chronicling the life of "The Greatest" inside and outside the ring, emphasizing his peaceful values and vision of global tolerance, and setting the record straight about that infamous gold medal.
![Muhammad Ali October 9, 1974]()
Associated Press file
Muhammad Ali October 9, 1974
![Angela Davis With Muhammad Ali in 1974.]()
Denver post Library Archive
Angela Davis With Muhammad Ali in 1974.
![Challenger Muhammad Ali is directed to a neutral corner by...]()
AP Photo
Challenger Muhammad Ali is directed to a neutral corner by referee Zack Clayton after knocking down George Foreman and ending their title fight in the eighth round, in Kinshasa, Zaire, in this Oct. 29, 1974 photo.
![Muhammad Ali throws a punch at Joe Frazier, right, during...]()
Associated Press file
Muhammad Ali throws a punch at Joe Frazier, right, during their bout at Madison Square Garden in New York, Jan. 28, 1974. Ali's hometown of Louisville is ready to unveil a museum celebrating the life of one of the 20th century's most recognizable figures. The Muhammad Ali Center is to open Nov. 21,2005, chronicling the life of "The Greatest" inside and outside the ring, emphasizing his peaceful values and vision of global tolerance, and setting the record straight about that infamous gold medal.
![Muhammad Ali hits Ron Lyle with a hard right to...]()
AP Wirephoto
Muhammad Ali hits Ron Lyle with a hard right to the chin during action in their title fight in Las Vegas. Ali won the fight with a TKO in the 11th round.
![In this Oct. 1, 1975 file photo, spray flies from...]()
AP Photo
In this Oct. 1, 1975 file photo, spray flies from the head of challenger Joe Frazier, left, as heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali connects with a right in the ninth round of their title fight in Manila, Philippines.
![MUHAMMAD ALI, 1974.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
MUHAMMAD ALI, 1974.
![Flip Wilson with Muhammad Ali in 1975.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Flip Wilson with Muhammad Ali in 1975.
![Who's The Real Fisticuffs Man?--Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler, left,...]()
AP Wirephoto
Who's The Real Fisticuffs Man?--Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler, left, and Muhammad Ali, world heavyweight box champion, mockingly glare at each, other as they compare fists during a press conference in New York Monday. Stabler and Ali were among 33 athletes in different fields selected by sportswriters for the third annual Gillette Cavalcade of Champions Awards. Sports fan across the country will vote to select the outstanding athletes of the year from the ballot and the results were be announced on NBC. 1975
![World heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali shouts "Joe Bugner must go!"...]()
Associated Press file
World heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali shouts "Joe Bugner must go!" to Malaysian fans during a training session at a Kuala Lumpur stadium, June 15, 1975. Ali defends his title against Britain's European champion Joe Bugner on July 1.
![No Way Out--Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali keeps challenger Jimmy Young...]()
AP Wirephoto
No Way Out--Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali keeps challenger Jimmy Young up against the ropes during their championship fight at Landover Friday. Ali won a unanimous decision in fifteen rounds. 1976.
![What is this-a roast or a beating? Ruth Buzzi attacks...]()
Denver post Library Archive
What is this-a roast or a beating? Ruth Buzzi attacks Muhammad Ali, left, with her purse as host Dean Martin tries to rescue the heavyweight champion, in an NBC roast 1976. Howard Cosell, right, joins the fun, along with Freddie Prinze, Gene Kelly, Wilt Chamberlain, Floyd Patterson and Orson Welles. 1976.
![Exchanging JABS - Muhammad Ali, right, delivers a jab to...]()
Denver post Library Archive
Exchanging JABS - Muhammad Ali, right, delivers a jab to the face of Ron Lyle during an exchange of punches in the first round to their title fight in Las Vegas Friday night. 1975.
![Professional wrestler Freddy Blassie, right, is shown tangling with boxing...]()
The Associated Press
Professional wrestler Freddy Blassie, right, is shown tangling with boxing legend Muhammad Ali while filming a promotion at an arena in Philadelphia on June 1, 1976.
![Ali Connects--Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali connects with a left to...]()
Associated Press file
Ali Connects--Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali connects with a left to the face of Jimmy Young during their championship bout at Landover Friday. Ali won a unanimous decision in fifteen rounds. 1976.
![His back against the ring ropes , Muhammad Ali continues...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
His back against the ring ropes , Muhammad Ali continues to taunt Ken Norton during their heavyweight title bout 9/28/1976.
![Muhammad Ali drives a right to the head of Ken...]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
Muhammad Ali drives a right to the head of Ken Norton in the second round of their heavyweight title bout Spet. 28, 1976.
![Hyping Next Title Defense -- Muhammad Ali, the world heavyweight...]()
AP Photo
Hyping Next Title Defense -- Muhammad Ali, the world heavyweight champion, left, strains to stare down a grimacing Leon Spinks, the Olympic heavyweight champion, during a news conference Thursday to promote their Feb. 15 title bout in Las Vegas. It was announced Thursday that Ali has signed a $12 million contract to defend his championship next September against Ken Norton. 1977.
![Embracing The Champ -- Muhammad Ali embraces heavyweight champion Leon...]()
AP Photo
Embracing The Champ -- Muhammad Ali embraces heavyweight champion Leon Spinks during a news conference in New Orleans where they signed to fight Sept. 15, in the Superdome. Ali was giving the champion a few pointers on dealing with the press. 1978.
![A Blow To Ali -- Leon Spinks connects with a...]()
AP Photo
A Blow To Ali -- Leon Spinks connects with a right hook to Muhammad Ali during the late rounds of their championship fight in Las Vegas, Nev. Wednesday night. The 24-year-old Spinks won the bout in a 15-round decision. 1978.
![Muhammad All and Leon Spinks exchange punches during their WBA...]()
AP Photo
Muhammad All and Leon Spinks exchange punches during their WBA heavyweight title bout at the Superdome in New Orleans Friday night Ali became the first man to win the heavyweight crown times by defeating Spinks with a 15-round unanimous decision. 1978
![Cheryl Tiegs, Muhammad Ali, and David Hartman]()
Program: "Good Morning America" 1978. Credit: ABC
Cheryl Tiegs, Muhammad Ali, and David Hartman
![GaryColeman with Muhammad Ali in 1979.]()
Denver post Library Archive
GaryColeman with Muhammad Ali in 1979.
![Muhammad Ali and Lyle Alzado promote their Exhibition fight. 1979.]()
Denver post Library Archive
Muhammad Ali and Lyle Alzado promote their Exhibition fight. 1979.
![The Broncos Lyle Alzado, left, took on the former heavyweight...]()
Denver Post library archive
The Broncos Lyle Alzado, left, took on the former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali at Mile High Stadium in July 1979. 11,128 people showed up at Mile High. The match lasted eight rounds. Alzado and some friends promoted the fight. He had even taken out a second mortgage on his house to guarantee that the event would go off as scheduled. Ticket sales generated slightly more than $200,000, considerably less than Ali's appearance fee of $250,000.
![Muhammad Ali tries to cover up under a barrage of...]()
UPI
Muhammad Ali tries to cover up under a barrage of blows by Larry Holmes. Holmes retained his heavyweight crown Oct. 2, 1980, in Las Vagas.
![Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali shakes hands with fans...]()
AP Photo
Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali shakes hands with fans in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Tuesday, Aug. 19, 1997 outside the Ministry of Sports offices. Ali is on a goodwill visit to West Africa delivering food to 400 orphans in San Pedro, Ivory Coast along the Liberian border where tens of thousands of refugees who fled Liberia's civil war are living. The plight of the orphans came to Ali's attention when a nun caring for the children wrote a letter asking for his help.
![Muhammad Ali, known as 'The Greatest,' punches at a poster...]()
Bebeto Matthews, The Associated Press
Muhammad Ali, known as 'The Greatest,' punches at a poster of the Wheaties 'The Breakfast of Champions' cereal during the unveiling of the 75th Anniversary cereal box in his honor in New York, Thursday, February 4, 1999. ESPN sports commentator Dick Shaap, right, who hosted the event, says he owes his career to Ali who changed the business of professional sports. Wheaties recognized Ali as the most 'recognized sports figure' of our time for the 75th anniversary celebration.
![MUHAMMAD ALI, 1981.]()
Denver Post Library photo archive
MUHAMMAD ALI, 1981.
![Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is shown in this Tuesday Feb....]()
Richard Drew, Associated press
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is shown in this Tuesday Feb. 2, 1999 file photo.
![Former boxing champion Muhammad Ali points to the photographers upon...]()
Martin Gnedt, Associated press
Former boxing champion Muhammad Ali points to the photographers upon his arrival , Friday, Nov. 19 1999 for the World Sports Award of the Century Gala at the state opera in Vienna. During the Gala Evening eleven winners will be named in the following disciplines: athletics, ball sports, soccer, contact sports, motor sport, water sports and winter sports.
![Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, left, jokes with entertainer Will Smith...]()
Michael Caulfield, The Associated Press
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, left, jokes with entertainer Will Smith prior to watching his daughter Laila Ali's bout against Marjorie Jones at the Universal Ampitheatre in Universal City, Calif., Thursday, June 15, 2000.
![Boxing legend Muhammad Ali poses with a copy of a...]()
Rene Macura, The Associated Press
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali poses with a copy of a new magazine that chronicles his life and career in the ring Monday, March 11, 2002, in Beverly Hills, Calif. The collectible magazine features articles written by former boxing champs and includes paintings, sketches, cartoons and photographs of Ali throughout his career.
![President Bush presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Wednesday, Nov....]()
Evan Vucci, The Associated Press
President Bush presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, to boxer Muhammad Ali in the East Room of the White House.
![Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali gestures toward photographers in...]()
Michel Euler, The Associated Press
Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali gestures toward photographers in a hotel lobby in Davos, Switzerland, in this Jan. 28, 2006 file photo.
![Boxing great Muhammad Ali delivers a knockout blow to Ricky...]()
MJ Kim, Associated press
Boxing great Muhammad Ali delivers a knockout blow to Ricky Hatton in a guest appearance at Hatton's gym in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. The appearance is part of a tour of the UK and Ireland to help promote Ali's charitable work.
![Muhammad and Lonnie Ali tour the new $4 million Muhammad...]()
Business Wire
Muhammad and Lonnie Ali tour the new $4 million Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. The Alis participated in the grand opening today of the center, which has been decorated with images from throughout Muhammad's boxing career. The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow will provide care and treatment to thousands of Parkinson patients from throughout the United States. The 10,000-square-foot facility is the most comprehensive Parkinson's center in the nation. 2009
![Muhammad Ali adjusts a New York Yankees cap given to...]()
Kathy Willens, The Associated Press
Muhammad Ali adjusts a New York Yankees cap given to him by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter before the Red Sox faced the Yankees in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.
![Muhammad Ali and wife Lonnie are seen on stage at...]()
Chris Pizzello, Associated press
Muhammad Ali and wife Lonnie are seen on stage at the 40th NAACP Image Awards on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009,in Los Angeles. Muhammad Ali was presented with the President's Award
![In this handout photo provided by MTV, Boxer Muhammad Ali...]()
Michael Buckner, Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
In this handout photo provided by MTV, Boxer Muhammad Ali and comedian Chris Rock perform during the Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief at CBS Television City January 22, 2010 in Los Angeles, Californa.
![Muhammad Ali and wife Lonnie Ali attend Celebrity Fight Night...]()
Michael Buckner, Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
Muhammad Ali and wife Lonnie Ali attend Celebrity Fight Night XVI on March 20, 2010 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona.
![Muhammad Ali]()
Tina Fineberg, The Associated Press
Boxing legend Muhammad poses at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America annual President's dinner on June 9, 2004 in New York. A small leather-bound volume in which Ali drew pictures of himself fighting arch rival Joe Frazier has sold for $30,000 at auction in London on Monday, Nov.1, 2004
Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight-boxing champ, is called ‘The greatest fighter in the 20th century.’ His famous expression is to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” It is true that the graceful footwork and the lightening punch made him the first boxer to win the world heavyweight championship title three different times.
Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942. His original name was Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. He changed his name after he converted to Islam in 1964. According to his religious belief, Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army in the middle of the Vietnam War in 1967, which caused a serious controversy across the country. He was convicted, which resulted in the deprivation of his first championship.
His boxing record was 108 wins and eight losses in his amateur competition including the Olympic gold medal in Rome, 1960 and 56 wins (37 knockouts) and five losses as a professional boxer until he retired in 1981.
In spite of suffering from Parkinsons’ Disease, Muhammad Ali devoted his life to activities for charity organizations. He was especially active for Jubilee 2000, the organization that campaigns for the cancellation of Third World debt. During the Gulf war in 1991, he met with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to negotiate the release of American hostages in Baghdad.
In 1996, he went to the Olympic games in Atlanta, Georgia. He suddenly appeared above the rim at Olympic Stadium at the most dramatic moment at the Olympic Ceremony. He lit the torch and moved people to tears.
