Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., is widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time. With an unprecedented professional record of 56 wins (37 by knockout) and only 5 losses, Ali’s skills and achievements in the ring are unparalleled.

Ali’s most famous fight was his victory over Sonny Liston in 1964, where he predicted he would “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” to win the heavyweight championship.

His unique boxing style, combining speed, reflexes, and elegance, revolutionized heavyweight boxing and made him a three-time world champion.

One of Ali’s greatest fights was the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman in 1974. Ali employed his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, letting Foreman punch himself out before knocking him out in the 8th round to regain the heavyweight title. His trilogy with Joe Frazier, culminating in the “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975, is considered one of the greatest prizefights of all time.

Ali’s skills extended beyond his physical abilities. He was a master of self-promotion and used the media to his advantage, coining phrases like “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”.

His charisma and charm made him loved by fans and the media, contributing to his mythical status as “the Greatest”.

Despite his boxing prowess, Ali’s legacy extends beyond the ring. He was a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, refusing to be drafted due to his religious beliefs and ethical opposition.

His actions made him an icon for the counterculture of the 1960s generation and a symbol of racial pride for African Americans during the civil rights movement. Muhammad Ali’s impact on sports and society solidifies his place as the greatest boxer of all time.