From Winning An Olympic Gold To Becoming World Heavyweight Champion Thrice - The Inspiring Story Of Muhammad Ali

There are some people who leave a legacy in a particular sport.

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Muhammad Ali's career had its share of controversies, success and glamour. The man was a champion be it inside the ring or outside.

So here's a look at the journey of a young man who dreamed big and became the best boxer ever:

1954 - Started training to be a boxer after his bike was stolen. Went on to win six Kentucky Golden Gloves championships, two national Golden Gloves titles, and two AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) crowns over the next six years.

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1960 - Clinched Olympic gold in the light-heavyweight after beating Poland's Zbigniew Pietrzykowski. In the same year he turned professional and won his first match against Tunney Hunsaker.

1964 - Defeated Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champion on February 25. A day later he joined the Nation of Islam. On March 6 he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali

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1967 - Stripped off his title, he was banned by the New York Boxing Association for 3 years.

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1970 - The New York State Supreme Court ordered his boxing license reinstated.

1974 - Beat George Foreman to win second heavyweight title in a match that is remembered as the 'Rumble in the Jungle'

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1975 - Won via technical knockout against Joe Frazier in the famous 'The Thrilla in Manila'.

1978 - In February he lost the heavyweight title to Leon Spinks and regains it six months later by beating Spinks.

1981 - Quit professional boxing with a record of 56 wins, 5 losses and 37 knockouts.