Muhammad Ali

MUHAMMAD ALI d2016. American boxer who became one of the world's most recognisable, much loved and popular cultural figures of the twentieth century. The three times World Heavyweight Champion known as "The Greatest", he was also crowned "The Sportsman of the Century" in 1999. He changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali in 1964 after joining The Nation of Islam. Amongst numerous famous quotations by him, he once described his fighting style as "Float like a Butterfly.....Sting like a Bee ...". This was a reference to his using great hand-speed, fast feet and taunting tactics, but he also possesed a great heart and a strong chin. The winner of an Olympic Gold medal in 1960, his later career record was 61 professional fights (with 56 wins). For his first title in February 1964, he beat the legendary Sonny Liston. His second title was won in the classic "Rumble in the Jungle" (1974) battle against George Foreman. His third and final title was achieved, when against all odds, he beat Leon Spinks in 1978. After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali devoted his life to religious and charitable work. In 1984, he was sadly diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome which his doctors attributed to boxing-related brain injuries. As the condition worsened, his universal popularity never wained, but he was forced into making fewer & fewer public appearances every year. He was cared for by his family until his death at the age of 74 on June 3rd 2016 in Scottsdale Arizona.