The Blacker the Content the Sweeter the Truth

The Blacker the Content the Sweeter the Truth

‘The Greatest’: 35 Fascinating Photos of Muhammad Ali

ByThe Root Staff

6/04/16 12:40AM

Many poses of Muhammad Ali, circa 1960
The Ring Magazine/Getty Images — Many poses of Muhammad Ali, circa 1960
The Ring Magazine/Getty Images

12-Year-Old Cassius Clay

At 12 years old, Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) shows his best pugilist stance.
Getty Images — At 12 years old, Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) shows his best pugilist stance.
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Early Bout

Boxing: 1960 Summer Olympics: USA Cassius Clay in action during Men's Light-Heavyweight Gold Medal bout vs Poland Zbigniew Pietrzykowski at Palazzo dello Sport.
Rome, Italy 9/5/1960
Jerry Cooke /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images — Boxing: 1960 Summer Olympics: USA Cassius Clay in action during Men's Light-Heavyweight Gold Medal bout vs Poland Zbigniew Pietrzykowski at Palazzo dello Sport. Rome, Italy 9/5/1960
Jerry Cooke /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

Clay v. Liston

25 MAY 1965: CASSIUS CLAY OF THE UNITED STATES STANDS OVER THE PRONE FIGURE OF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SONNY LISTON DURING THEIR BOUT HELD IN LEWISTON, MAINE. CLAY WON THE FIGHT WITH A FIRST ROUND KNOCK-OUT TO CLAIM THE TITLE.
Allsport Hulton/Archive — 25 MAY 1965: CASSIUS CLAY OF THE UNITED STATES STANDS OVER THE PRONE FIGURE OF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SONNY LISTON DURING THEIR BOUT HELD IN LEWISTON, MAINE. CLAY WON THE FIGHT WITH A FIRST ROUND KNOCK-OUT TO CLAIM THE TITLE.
Allsport Hulton/Archive

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The Many Poses

Many poses of Muhammad Ali, circa 1960
The Ring Magazine/Getty Images — Many poses of Muhammad Ali, circa 1960
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Cassius Clay Pondering Message on Marquee

Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) casts a wondered look at a marquee that reads "WOULD YOU BELIEVE NAZIS IN OUR CITY" at the entrance to a South Side motel. Clay is in Chicago attending a Black Muslim convention at the International Amphitheater. The Champ, who takes off for Germany on August 29, drew a standing ovation when he addressed a huge crowd at the convention.
Getty Images — Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) casts a wondered look at a marquee that reads "WOULD YOU BELIEVE NAZIS IN OUR CITY" at the entrance to a South Side motel. Clay is in Chicago attending a Black Muslim convention at the International Amphitheater. The Champ, who takes off for Germany on August 29, drew a standing ovation when he addressed a huge crowd at the convention.
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The Godfather and the Greatest

American singer James Brown (1933 - 2006) and boxing champ Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay), smile and greet parade goers while participating in the annual Bud Billiken parade, Chicago, Illinois, August 1966.
Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images — American singer James Brown (1933 - 2006) and boxing champ Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay), smile and greet parade goers while participating in the annual Bud Billiken parade, Chicago, Illinois, August 1966.
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17th May 1966: World heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali meets 8 month old Maria Morin in a training session at the Territorial Army Gymnasium at White City, London. Ali is in training for his fight against the British champion Henry Cooper at Arsenal's Highbury Stadium, London on May 21st.
R. McPhedran/Express/Getty Images — 17th May 1966: World heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali meets 8 month old Maria Morin in a training session at the Territorial Army Gymnasium at White City, London. Ali is in training for his fight against the British champion Henry Cooper at Arsenal's Highbury Stadium, London on May 21st.
R. McPhedran/Express/Getty Images

Ali’s Girls

19th December 1978: Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali with his daughters Laila (9 months) and Hanna (2 years 5 months) at Grosvenor House.
Frank Tewkesbury/Evening Standard/Getty Images — 19th December 1978: Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali with his daughters Laila (9 months) and Hanna (2 years 5 months) at Grosvenor House.
Frank Tewkesbury/Evening Standard/Getty Images

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Muhammad Ali Kissing Virgin Islands Youngster

Muhammad Ali amidst Cruzan youth on his recent trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. "The Champ" spent 3 days on both St. Croix and St. Thomas meeting island youngsters and donating his talents to aid five local charities: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics, Queen Louise Home for Children and Camp Arawak.
Getty Images — Muhammad Ali amidst Cruzan youth on his recent trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. "The Champ" spent 3 days on both St. Croix and St. Thomas meeting island youngsters and donating his talents to aid five local charities: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics, Queen Louise Home for Children and Camp Arawak.
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Muhammad Ali With His Family

Muhammad Ali's parents and brother greet him as he arrives home in Louisville after winning a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
Getty Images — Muhammad Ali's parents and brother greet him as he arrives home in Louisville after winning a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
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The Greatest

Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. Annazette Chase In" The Greatest" 1977.
Marka/UIG via Getty Images — Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. Annazette Chase In" The Greatest" 1977.
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Fighting Leon Spinks

Muhammad Ali fighting Leon Spinks.
Getty Images — Muhammad Ali fighting Leon Spinks.
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20-Year-Old Cassius Clay

LONG ISLAND, NY - MAY 17: Cassius Clay, 20 year old heavyweight contender from Louisville, Kentucky poses for the camera on May 17, 1962 in Long Island, New York.
Stanley Weston/Getty Images — LONG ISLAND, NY - MAY 17: Cassius Clay, 20 year old heavyweight contender from Louisville, Kentucky poses for the camera on May 17, 1962 in Long Island, New York.
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Muhammad Ali Reads About Himself

Muhammad Ali reads about his boxing match in the paper circa 1960's.
Focus on Sport/Getty Images — Muhammad Ali reads about his boxing match in the paper circa 1960's.
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Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. 1968.
Marka/UIG via Getty Images — Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. 1968.
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Working Out

Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. 1968.
Marka/UIG via Getty Images — Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. 1968.
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Boxing Pose

Muhammad Ali
Getty Images — Muhammad Ali
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Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. 1970.
Marka/UIG via Getty Images — Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay. 1970.
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Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay Vs Norton. 1973.
Marka/UIG via Getty Images — Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay Vs Norton. 1973.
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Ali vs. Frazier

Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay Vs Joe Frazier. 1975.
Marka/UIG via Getty Images — Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay Vs Joe Frazier. 1975.
Marka/UIG via Getty Images

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Al and Ali

Reverend Al Sharpton and Muhammad Ali help kick off seminar to Ko Crack in a coordinated effort between sports and Entertainment industries.
Arty Pomerantz / (c) NYP Holdings, Inc. via Getty Images — Reverend Al Sharpton and Muhammad Ali help kick off seminar to Ko Crack in a coordinated effort between sports and Entertainment industries.
Arty Pomerantz / (c) NYP Holdings, Inc. via Getty Images

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Ali and Mr. T

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 21: Former boxer Muhammad Ali and celebrity actor Mr. T talk to fans before the IBF Heavyweight Title fight with Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes on September 21, 1985 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Robert Riger/Getty Images — LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 21: Former boxer Muhammad Ali and celebrity actor Mr. T talk to fans before the IBF Heavyweight Title fight with Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes on September 21, 1985 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Olympics Opening Ceremony

19 Jul 1996: Muhammad Ali holds the torch before lighting the Olympic Flame during the Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Getty Images — 19 Jul 1996: Muhammad Ali holds the torch before lighting the Olympic Flame during the Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
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So Pretty

Cassius Clay, 20 year old heavyweight contender from Louisville, Kentucky poses for the camera on May 17, 1962 in Long Island, New York.
Stanley Weston/Getty Images — Cassius Clay, 20 year old heavyweight contender from Louisville, Kentucky poses for the camera on May 17, 1962 in Long Island, New York.
Stanley Weston/Getty Images

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‘Ali’ Hollywood Premiere

Muhammad Ali (C) with daughters Hana Ali and Laila Ali
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc — Muhammad Ali (C) with daughters Hana Ali and Laila Ali
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Strike a Pose

Former Boxer Muhammad Ali poses as he attends the Grand Gala Hilton VIP reception held at the Muhammad Ali Center on May 5, 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images — Former Boxer Muhammad Ali poses as he attends the Grand Gala Hilton VIP reception held at the Muhammad Ali Center on May 5, 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Ali and Wife Lonnie

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali (L) and wife Lonnie Ali appear onstage during the Keep Memory Alive foundation's "Power of Love Gala" celebrating Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena February 18, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event benefits the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive — Boxing legend Muhammad Ali (L) and wife Lonnie Ali appear onstage during the Keep Memory Alive foundation's "Power of Love Gala" celebrating Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena February 18, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event benefits the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive

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Ali in the Later Years

Len Amato, Laila Ali, Muhammad Ali and Donald Lassere appear as HBO Films and the Muhammad Ali Center co-host the U.S. Premiere of "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" at Muhammad Ali Center on October 2, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Michael Hickey/Getty Images for HBO — Len Amato, Laila Ali, Muhammad Ali and Donald Lassere appear as HBO Films and the Muhammad Ali Center co-host the U.S. Premiere of "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" at Muhammad Ali Center on October 2, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Michael Hickey/Getty Images for HBO

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The Greatest

Muhammad Ali during training for his fight with Al “Blue” Lewis in Dublin in 1972.
Getty Images — Muhammad Ali during training for his fight with Al “Blue” Lewis in Dublin in 1972.
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Clowning With the Beatles

As Clay flays his chest "Tarzan Style" the Beatles are prostrate on the floor. The quintet clowned for photographers during a visit to the 5th street gym 2/18.
Getty Images — As Clay flays his chest "Tarzan Style" the Beatles are prostrate on the floor. The quintet clowned for photographers during a visit to the 5th street gym 2/18.
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Fight

Cassius Clay scores with a vicious right to the head of Jerry Quarry in the third round of their scheduled 15 round bout here. Because of a bad cut over the left eye of Quarry, Clay scored a TKO in the third round when the referee stopped the fight.
Getty Images — Cassius Clay scores with a vicious right to the head of Jerry Quarry in the third round of their scheduled 15 round bout here. Because of a bad cut over the left eye of Quarry, Clay scored a TKO in the third round when the referee stopped the fight.
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Skipping Rope

Full length photo of Cassias Clay skipping rope at a gym.
Getty Images — Full length photo of Cassias Clay skipping rope at a gym.
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Joking Around

January 1963 - Pittsburgh: Boxing heavyweight contender Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) reclining bare-chested in hotel room and pointing finger while expounding on boxing. ()
Marvin Lichtner/Collection/Getty Images/The LIFE Images — January 1963 - Pittsburgh: Boxing heavyweight contender Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) reclining bare-chested in hotel room and pointing finger while expounding on boxing. ()
Marvin Lichtner/Collection/Getty Images/The LIFE Images

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Refusal

Muhammad Ali talking with the press after being indicted by a federal grand jury for his refusal to be inducted into the armed forces.
Getty Images — Muhammad Ali talking with the press after being indicted by a federal grand jury for his refusal to be inducted into the armed forces.
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Picketing Sonny Liston

Cassius Clay's attempt to picket Sonny Liston's training camp at Surfside was stopped cold by a dtermined police chief, Wiley Barefoot, 2/7. Clay and his brother, Rudy (left center) and assistant trainer Drew Brown (r) led the parade.
Getty Images — Cassius Clay's attempt to picket Sonny Liston's training camp at Surfside was stopped cold by a dtermined police chief, Wiley Barefoot, 2/7. Clay and his brother, Rudy (left center) and assistant trainer Drew Brown (r) led the parade.
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