Muhammad Ali Signed Photo: Olympic Torchbearer

Muhammad Ali Cassius Marcellus Clay Jnr was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17th 1942 and it quickly became apparent during his childhood that he had a phenomenal natural talent for boxing. After a glittering amateur career Clay came to world prominence for the very first time at the 1960 Olympics in Rome where he landed a gold medal for the United States of America in the Light-Heavyweight division. Soon after, Clay turned professional and made rapid strides in the sport catching the eye with his incredible speed and strength. Famous wins over Doug Jones and Britain's Henry Cooper in 1963 cemented the 'Lousville Lip' as a serious contender for the world heavyweight crown. Clay's first shot at the world title came in 1964 when he faced the legendary Sonny Liston in Miami, Florida - sensationally stopping the champion at the end of six fascinating rounds. Now the champion, Clay's religious beliefs and allegiance to the Nation of Islam instigated his change of name to Muhammad Ali - and over the next few years Ali continued to dominate the heavyweight division. In 1967 after refusing to fight in the Vietnam War on religious grounds Ali was stripped of his title and banned from boxing for three years. In March 1971 Ali fought Smokin' Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden in what was described as the 'Fight of the Century'. It was a fight Ali lost on points - his first professional loss. Ali avenged that defeat in a stunning rematch three years later. Ali finally regained his world title in 1974 defeating the seemingly invincible George Foreman in the 'Rumble in the Jungle'. A string of successful defences followed before Ali met Frazier for a third time in the ring, in a magnificent fight that was dubbed the 'Thrilla in Manilla'. A brutal bout ended when Frazier refused to leave his stool at the start of the 15th and final round. In 1978 Ali lost his title to Olympic champion Leon Spinks but he was to once again avenge that loss within the same year - but signs of his deteriorating health were already beginning to show. Ali was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's Sydrome in 1984 but despite his ill health he has remained a beloved and active public figure. Muhammed Ali is regarded as the greatest heavyweight champion of all-time and in a recent British poll was also voted greatest sportsman ever.