Muhammad Ali, one of the world’s greatest athletes and one of the best-known figures of the 20th century, died this week at the age of 74.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., Ali changed his name in 1964 after converting to Islam. He became a symbol of Black liberation during the 1960s for his fierce pride and unapologetic style.
Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) predicts that he will in the fifth round before his fight with Henry Cooper at Wembley Stadium in London, 1963. Photo:Reuters
Muhammad Ali trains for his second fight with Leon Spinks in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. August 25, 1978. Photo:ReutersAli (L) joking with Caesars Palace house magician Jimmy Grippo (R) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, May 1975. Photo:EFEMuhammad Ali cuddling his daughters Laila, (L)and Hana at a hotel in London, December 1978. Photo:ReutersFormer South African President Nelson Mandela landing a ‘straight left’ to the chin of former World Champion Muhammad Ali at the Global Youth Summit, 2003.Photo:EFEMuhammad Ali is seen with the Olympic flag at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photo:Reuters