Muhammad Ali No More; Watch his Top 10 Knockouts Punches

Muhammad Ali, the former World Heavyweight Boxing champion dies at the age of 74 years. Ali was suffering from a respiratory ailment, which was complicated by his Parkinson’s disease. He was admitted to a US hospital on Thursday.

Ali, who was born as Cassius Clay, had a checkered career spanning two decades from 1960 to 1981. He dazzled his fans with his polished moves in the ring and by his witty punch lines, he delivered outside the ring.

Ali is undoubtedly the most charismatic and controversial sports figure of the 20th century. His style of boxing was unorthodox and was a fusion of speed, nimbleness, and power, woven seamlessly to create an inimitable style.

It was amply complimented with an agile and observant mind, a cheerful personality, and self-confidence often dubbed as bordering arrogance. He called himself the Greatest and was accepted by his adoring fans and grudgingly by his opponents.

Watch his Top 10 Knockouts:

He was no stranger to controversies and his outspoken, and contrary views were often vilified in both media and the American population. His opposition to the Vietnam War saw him banned from sports for years. His conviction for draft dodging was overturned by the US Supreme Court in 1971.

His decision to convert to Islam and subsequently changing his name from Cassius Clay to Mohammad Ali, a name bestowed by the black separatist sect, Lost Found Nation of Islam. His actions were perceived as dangerous by the conservative while the liberal dubbed it as an act of noble defiance.

He was also derided for his views on civil rights issue. However, his soft-spoken mannerism outside the ring earned him more friends than foes. He made a dozen of tributes which include lighting the Olympic Torch in Atlanta and was named the UN messenger of peace. He also received the highest US civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.