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Muhammad Ali, 1942-2016

AP Photo

Muhammad Ali passed away at age 74. His life and his legacy left an unforgettable imprint on sports, society and culture.

William Nack: 'The Greatest,' in and out of the ring

The truest of American originals, bigger than Babe Ruth, bigger than Joe Louis, Ali was the most singular performer on any sporting stage in modern history. Read more


Ali's life in pictures

Take a look back with photos of Ali's amazing career See more


What made Ali "The Greatest"

No one embodied the traits of a big personality and a great athlete like Muhammad Ali. The three-time world champion boxer, born with the name Cassius Clay, transcended his sport and revolutionized the way athletes promote themselves. See more


30 for 30's on Muhammad Ali

Ali: The Mission: Ali: The Mission delves into perhaps one of the most important, but least known, feats of Muhammad Ali's remarkable life. Watch

Muhammad and Larry: With three heavyweight titles, why did Muhammad Ali fight Larry Holmes for a fourth in 1980? What was left for Ali to prove? Visit 30-for-30 home


Teddy Atlas: Ali's greatest hits

I was asked to put together a list of the five greatest fights fought by a man who called himself "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali. Obviously a very subjective matter, my first problem was deciding on five. I instead chose six. Read more

Atlas: Muhammad Ali's endless light

I was 14 when I placed a bet on Muhammad Ali to beat Joe Frazier in their first fight. To me there was something magical about Ali, like the first time I heard Ray Charles sing "America The Beautiful" or Louie Armstrong blow the trumpet, a feeling like they could influence the cosmos, make anything right when they performed. Read more


Ali's 10 best quotes

Muhammad Ali was as skilled with words as much as he was skilled in the ring. In memory of the man who not only was the greatest but made sure to tell you he was, we rank his greatest quips. See more


Ali's role in boxing, society and beyond

The influence of Muhammad Ali -- who wasn't merely supremely talented, but also captivating and fun -- stretched far beyond the ring. Read more


The importance of Muhammad Ali

Outside the ring, Ali's persona was being sculpted in ways that were even more important. Read more


Ali's polarizing stance on Vietnam

Nine words. That was all it took to launch Muhammad Ali along a path for which, over time, he would be both revered and resented in equal measure, and for which he ultimately would be identified almost as much as his achievements in the ring. Read more


Era instrumental in building Ali's legend

Given his personality and talents, Ali surely would have succeeded in any era. However, a long list of highly respected foils such as Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman allowed him the opportunity to prove how great he truly was. Read more


Muhammad Ali - The unparalleled showman

Muhammad Ali wasn't just the greatest boxer of all time, he was a legendary showman. John Schulian explores the legend of Ali through his incredible public persona. Read more


How would Ali have fared versus other heavy greats?

Muhammad Ali might have been the greatest heavyweight of them all, but that doesn't necessarily mean he would have beaten every other heavyweight champion. Read more


Wright Thompson: Muhammad Ali fought 50 men. Only one disappeared.

What had happened to Jim Robinson, who'd fought Muhammad Ali in Miami Beach on Feb. 7, 1961? Read more


How my dad and I learned to love Muhammad Ali

Tommy Tomlinson recalls how his love of the underdog, his respect for greatness, and his relationship with his father all revolved around the great Muhammad Ali. Read more


As Ali has evolved, so have Louisvillians with him

In Muhammad Ali's hometown, the stories start when he was just Cassius -- a high-spirited, loquacious teenager from the poor streets of Louisville's West End, who dared to dream of things so much more grand than his reality would seem to permit. Read more


Legend of Ali's Irish escapades

Die-hard Muhammad Ali fans might not remember his July 19, 1972, bout against Al "Blue" Lewis, but the Irish sure do. Read more