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Muhammad Ali

(1942-2016), Boxer; heavyweight champion and Olympian

Sitter in 3 portraits
Muhammad Ali is considered to be the greatest boxer of his generation. Ali was born in Kentucky as Cassius Clay but changed his name when he converted to Islam later in life. He learnt to box as a teenager and carved a niche for himself as a professional. He was renowned for the 'Ali Shuffle', a foot manoeuvre designed to outwit his opponents. He went on to win the heavyweight championship of the world three times. He won gold in boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Watch a film clip on the sitter from the BBC Archive in the Media section below

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Jabir Herbert Muhammad; Muhammad Ali; Michael X, by Graham Keen - NPG x199759

Jabir Herbert Muhammad; Muhammad Ali; Michael X

by Graham Keen
modern bromide print from original negative, 13 May 1966
NPG x199759

Muhammad Ali, by Rex Coleman, for Baron Studios - NPG x125764

Muhammad Ali

by Rex Coleman, for Baron Studios
5 x 4 inch film negative, 23 May 1966
NPG x125764

Harry Goodwin; Muhammad Ali; John Conteh, by Harry Goodwin - NPG x87881

Harry Goodwin; Muhammad Ali; John Conteh

by Harry Goodwin
bromide fibre print, 1970s
NPG x87881

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