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Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest', dies at 74

A controversial and polarizing figure during his early career, Ali is today widely regarded for not only the skills he displayed in the ring but also the values he exemplified outside of it: religious freedom, racial justice and the triumph of principle over expedience.

He is one of the most recognized sports figures of the past 100 years, crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated.

Born Cassius Clay, at the age of 22 he won the world heavyweight championship in 1964 from Sonny Liston in a stunning upset. Shortly after that bout, Ali joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name. He subsequently converted to Sunni Islam in 1975.

Ali remains the only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion; he won the title in 1964, 1974, and 1978.

Nicknamed "The Greatest", Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches including the "Rumble in the Jungle" and "The Thrilla in Manila". Notable among these were the first Liston fight, three with rival Joe Frazier, and one with George Foreman, where he regained titles he had been stripped of seven years earlier. (Yahoo News)

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