17 Reasons Muhammad Ali Will Always Be Remembered As The Greatest Of All Time

At 74-years of age the man who once floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee has died after being put on life support due to respiratory complications. But even in his weakest state, it is hard to think of Muhammad Ali as anything but a symbol for strength, hope, determination and so many other admirable qualities that not only define an amazing athlete, but an amazing person as a whole. There is no doubt about the fact that Ali was, and always will be, considered a great hero. 

So, without further adieu, here are 17 reasons why Muhammad Ali will ALWAYS be remembered as the the greatest of all time. 

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1. He only started boxing so that he could get his stolen bike back.

A 12-year-old Cassius Clay was shaken up when he realized his bike was stolen after a trip to the Louisville Home Show. A stranger urged him to speak to local police officer Joe Martin who was sparring at the nearby Columbia Gym. The rest is history. 

2. He was predicted to be a future world champion after winning just one fight.

An awkward Cassius defeated fellow novice Ronny O’Keefe on the popular boxing program Tomorrow’s Champions. After the win, his father famously proclaimed that “My son is going to be another Joe Louis. The World Heavyweight Champion, Cassius Clay!”

3. He won a Gold Medal when he was just 18-years-old. 

Ali whizzed through the competition at the 1960 Olympic Games, defeating the previous Games’ bronze medalist Zbigniew Pietrzykowski in the final. He then claims to have thrown his gold medal in the Ohio River. 

4. He defeated Sonny Liston in and out of the ring.

A young, smooth-talking Clay earned himself a shot at the title by calling out Sonny Liston in public. When the fight came, Clay was deemed a major underdog. But with his speed, agility and boxing smarts, Clay won the title bout.