Over the next two decades he dominated the boxing world, though not always in ways fans would want to remember. That set the stage for his first title fight, a 1964 bout against Sonny Liston. Born in Louisville, Ky., the son of sign painter Cassius Clay Sr. and maid Odessa Clay, young Cassius took up boxing at the age 12. Ali was a boxer of considerable skills, the only one in history to win the world heavyweight title three times. In this Oct. 1, 1975, file photo, spray flies from the head of Joe Frazier as Muhammad Ali connects with a right in the ninth round of their title fight in Manila, Philippines, Ali won the fight on a decision to retain the title.

Source: thestar June 04, 2016 05:20 UTC