Muhammad Ali — born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., on Jan. 17, 1942 in Louisville, KY — is one of the most influential figures in sports history and considered by many to be the greatest boxer of all-time.
Ali’s legacy transcends generations. Whether it was winning an Olympic gold medal for the United States in 1960, upsetting Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion in 1964, converting to Islam and changing his name, denouncing the Vietnam War, or his legendary trilogy with the late Joe Frazier, Ali had the ability to move a nation with his words and actions.
In honour of his 70th birthday, here are some clips that sum up why fans flocked to Ali and why he is still lauded today:
A psychological advantage
As much as Ali was known for stinging his opponents with his fists, he was equally renowned for stinging his opponents with his sharp-witted tongue. In this interview with Michael Parkinson, Ali talks about how he spoke to his opponents in the ring to put them off their game.
I’m so mean I make medicine sick
Heading into his 1974 heavyweight title fight against George Foreman, Ali was a huge underdog and had a plethora of doubters, but he never doubted himself. Here is one of his most famous speeches in the lead up to “The Rumble in the Jungle.”
Not only will George Foreman fall, but mountains will fall
One of those doubters was legendary sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, who was also Ali’s friend. Ali and Cosell had dozens of memorable encounters but this one is the best. Here is a rebuttal from Ali in reply to a Cosell prediction that Ali would lose to Foreman. Ali’s response was a precursor to one of boxing’s greatest moments.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Ali and Joe Frazier had a complicated yet compelling relationship. When they weren’t battering one another in the ring, and when Ali wasn’t talking down to Frazier, the two were almost friends, as was evident in this interview with Dick Cavett
A poet who knows it
Ali was known for his creativity both inside and outside the ring. Watch as then-Cassius Clay recites a poem about himself on the old Jack Paar television show.
I’ll be dancing all night
Ali had a special relationship with the media, fighting with them on occasion, but also playing around with them from time to time. Here is a clip of Ali entertaining the media while working out.
You’re not as dumb as you look
Not only was Ali famous in the sports world, but his celebrity crossed over into the main stream. People found his wit and charm endearing and that made him popular among the world’s most famous entertainers. Here is a clip of Ali hanging in there with Hollywood’s elite at the roast of Dean Martin.
A recipe for life
Muhammad Ali didn’t want his legacy to be only about his accomplishments in boxing.