25 amazing photos of the legend, Muhammad Ali

Without a doubt, Ali was one of the best.  He shaped and changed the genre of boxing, bringing flare, intelligence and wit to the game.  He dominated the sport for nearly two decades and will likely never be forgotten.  Here are some amazing photos to remember the man.

Ali displays outstanding balance and skill with his fleet feet, known to "float like a butterfly."

Photograph: Bettmann/Corbis

 

Shortly before the world title fight in 1971, Ali taunts Joe Frazier.

Photograph: John Shearer/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

 

Early in his career, Ali was known as Cassius Clay.  Here, he's seen with a young Stevie Wonder.

Photograph: Redferns

 

In this photo, Ali demolishes the face of  Leon Spinks.

Photograph: Dirck Halstead/Getty Images

 

This was Ali's  personal response to reports that he was a loud-mouth.

Photograph: Bob Thomas/Getty Images

 

Malcolm X peers over the shoulder of Ali after his victory against Sonny Liston, winning the heavyweight title.

Photograph: Bob Gomel/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty

 

Ali was passing by, when a man was threatening to jump off the 9th story of a building.  Ali persuaded police to let him talk the man down.  He did.

Photograph: Bettmann/Corbis

 

This simple, clear shot brings life to the deep contrasts in Ali's face.

Photograph: Gordon Parks/AP

 

At the age of 18, Cassius Clay won the Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight category.

Photograph: Central Press/Getty Images

 

Ali and George Foreman trade dark stares after Ali’s second fight with Jerry Quarry.

Photograph: Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

 

This epic photo captures Ali before unloading a nasty punch.

Photograph: Allsport/Getty Images

 

A conceptual shot with interesting photography makes the speed bag look transparent as Ali trains.

Photograph: Jess Tan/AP

 

Here, the giant is seen in his imposing glory with the screaming tone likely seen by many of his defeated opponents.

Photograph: Harry Benson/Hulton

 

Ali refused to fight in Viet-Nam and was put on the cover of Esquire in this famous shot.

Photograph: Carl Fischer/Esquire

 

After his suspension for refusing to serve in the military, Ali came back to boxing and dumped George Foreman in "The Rumble in the Jungle."

Photograph: RED/AP

 

Ali having fun during a Sports Illustrated shoot

Photograph: Howard Bingham

 

Multiple-exposure photography shows Ali's fancy footwork

Photograph: Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

 

Always going for the camera

Photograph: James Drake/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

 

Ali teaches Sammy Davis Jr. how to box.

Photograph: Bettmann/Corbis

 

Ali standing over Sonny Liston after one of the most famous takedowns of all time.

Photograph: John Rooney/Associated Press

 

Ali and Ken Norton chase each other around Yankee stadium.

Photograph: Bettmann/CORBIS

 

Ali and Frazier, circa 2003

Photograph: Walter Iooss Jr./SPORTS ILLUSTRA/Sports Illustrated

 

Ali preps for a bout

Photograph: James Drake/The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett

 

This is the moment that Clay defeated Sonny Liston after he refused to come out for the 7th round.

Photograph: Photoshot/Getty Images

 

Utter victory.

Photograph: Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images