Top 5 iconic Muhammad Ali fights

5. Ali vs. Liston 1

Photo via Twitter (@MuhammadAli)

The first fight between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali (the last under birth name Cassius Clay) took place on February 25, 1964 in Miami Beach.

At the time, heavy-hitting Liston was one of the most intimidating heavyweight boxers that ever stepped into the ring, and considered more or less unbeatable.

22-year-old Ali was a massive underdog going into the fight, but with his unorthodox style, low guard and magnificent footwork, the young Olympic gold medalist made the feared Liston look heavy-footed and slow during six rounds of action.

When Liston couldn’t answer the bell for the seventh round, Ali was declared the new heavyweight champion of the world.

”I’m the greatest! I shook up the world,” he famously yelled in triumph after the fight was stopped.