Muhammad Ali will forever be one of the most recognizable names across all of sport.
As one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Ali defeated some of the very best names that the sport has ever seen.
Although Ali started his boxing career in unlikely circumstances, his journey through the sport would see him beat the likes of George Foreman and Joe Frazier.
Retiring in 1981, Ali had a lengthy career that began in 1960. However, Ali first announced himself as a world champion in one of the most-known boxing matches of all time.
Muhammad Ali fought Sonny Liston in 1964 for the first time
On February 25th of 1964, Ali would be scheduled to fight fellow heavyweight Sonny Liston, as the two would compete for the WBC World Heavyweight title.
Ali was 19-0 going into the fight, while Liston sported a record of 35-1. ‘The Greatest’ Ali was just 22 years old when he fought Liston at Miami Beach.
It would be a historic night for the sport of boxing, as Ali would win his first-ever world title.
The fight would end via 6th round retirement, due to Liston injuring his shoulder in the fight.
The fighter, who was then known as Cassius Clay, said in his post-fight interview, “I must be the greatest. I told the world, I talk to God every day.”
Ring Magazine would name the fight between Ali and Liston as their ‘Fight of the Year’ for 1964.
Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston would rematch in 1965
Due to the shoulder injury that would cause Liston to lose just his second professional fight, Ali would make his first title defense versus his previous foe.
The rematch between Ali and Liston would take place in May of 1965, 15 months after their first meeting. The heavyweight title bout would take place in Maine, in front of just shy of 2,500 people.
It would be a quick night at the office for Ali in his sequel bout with Liston.
A pinpoint counter right hand from the champion would find the chin of Liston, sending him to the canvas.
Not only was the knockout one that allowed Ali to retain his title, but it also led to one of the most iconic sports photos of all time.
As Liston lay on his back on the floor, photographers Neil Leifer and John Rooney took a photograph of Ali celebrating over his fallen opponent.
The image has since become one of the most recognizable of all time as Ali produced one of sport’s greatest moments.