This was published 10 years ago
The life and times of 'The Greatest'
Muhammad Ali, the athlete who transcended sport more than any other, has died aged 74.
'The Greatest' won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and emerged victorious from some of boxing's most famous bouts to become the first three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
His achievements in the ring only tell part of the story though, his athleticism, beauty and charisma as well as his stand against the Vietnam War and his humanitarian work means his name will live on forever.
Boxing gold
A 12-year-old Cassius Clay first started boxing after stumbling on a gym as he tried to find who had stolen his bike. Six years later, Clay burst onto the public stage when he won the light heavyweight gold medal at the Rome Olympics.
The poet pugilist
He turned professional shortly after and quickly compiled an 18-0 record with a unique style for a heavyweight, combining lightning fast hands and blurring footwork.
Moore in four
As well as his performances in the ring, Ali was a brash and charismatic personality, predicting what rounds he would win in and rhyming in the lead-up to fights. When faced with the legendary veteran Archie Moore, Clay said he would beat the all-time great in four rounds.
Downing a great
Typically, who he knocked out Moore in the fourth found to fulfil the pre-fight prediction
Taking a tumble in London
Clay travelled to London to face highly fancied Englishman Henry Cooper in the 19th fight of his career. The then 21-year-old would be knocked down for the first time in his professional career at the hands of 'The Hammer'. Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee allegedly cut the fighter's glove to give him more time to recover, allowing Ali to go on to win by knockout in the fifth round.
Liston
After four years as a professional he was granted a shot at the world title by the most feared heavyweight in history, Sonny Liston.
No chance
He was given absolutely no chance by experts as a 7-1 outsider.
'I told you, and you'
The legend of Ali began when Liston shocked fans by quitting after the seventh round. A result heavyweight great Joe Louis called the greatest upset in the history of boxing.
