Muhammad Ali, one of the world's greatest boxers, died on Friday, June 3, at the age of 74.
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali started boxing at age 12 — and ultimately became known for much more than just his successful boxing career.
Ali converted to Islam in 1964, changing his name from Cassius Clay — what he called his "slave name" — to Muhammed Ali after becoming affiliated with the Nation of Islam. His political activism and charity inspired millions throughout his life.
We've compiled some of his now iconic words of wisdom and trademark boxing-ring rhymes.
"If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you."
In this November 15, 1962, file photo, young heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay points to a sign he wrote on a chalk board in his dressing room before his fight against Archie Moore in Los Angeles, predicting he'd knock Moore out in the fourth round, which he went on to do. The sign also predicts Clay will be the next champ via a knockout over Sonny Liston in eight rounds. He did it in seven rounds.
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
Cassius Clay is a happy young man in his dressing room after knocking out Archie Moore in the exact round he predicted he would, the fourth, at Los Angeles, November 17, 1962.
"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up."
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), the "Louisville lip," holds up eight fingers in London June 19, 1963 as he predicts the number of rounds it will take him to knock out Sonny Liston if he should get a chance at the world heavyweight championship. Clay had predicted an end to his fight with British heavyweight champion Henry Cooper in five rounds and that's just what happened June 18 in London's Wembley stadium. Ali won on a technical knockout in the fifth round.
"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."
Perspiration beads on the face of world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, shown in training for his May 25, 1965, fight with Sonny Liston at Lewiston, Maine.
"Now Clay swings with a right, what a beautiful swing/And the punch raises the Bear clear out of the ring/ Liston is still rising, and the ref wears a frown/For he can't start counting `til Sonny comes down/Now Liston disappears from view."
Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over fallen challenger Sonny Liston, shouting and gesturing shortly after dropping Liston with a short, hard right to the jaw on May 25, 1965, in Lewiston, Maine.
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'"
Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay at the time, strikes a familiar pose as he shouts, "I am the greatest," as he leaves the ring, arms raised, following his defeat of former heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston in Miami Beach, Florida, February 25, 1964.
"I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want."
"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are."
Cassius Clay after being declared heavyweight champion of the world at Miami Beach, Florida, February 25, 1964. Clay beat champion Sonny Liston after six rounds in one of the greatest upsets in fight history.
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