He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay and would go on to become one of the most famous sports personalities in the world.
Muhammad Ali, who has died at the age of 74, was nicknamed "The Greatest", a reflection of his monumental achievements in boxing, including being the first boxer to pick up three world heavyweight titles.
But he was more than that. Outside of the ring he inspired people to greater heights, took a passionate stand for the causes he believed in - including the rights of black Americans - and possessed an indomitable zeal to excel, conquer and indeed be the greatest.
Ali certainly didn't hold back when it came to talking up his own greatness as the quotes below reveal. We'll leave it to you to make up your own mind as to whether he really was "The Greatest".
"I'm the most recognized and loved man that ever lived cuz there weren't no satellites when Jesus and Moses were around, so people far away in the villages didn't know about them."
"I asked my momma, I said, 'Momma, how come everything is white?' I said, Why is Jesus white with blonde hair and blue eyes? Why is the Lord's Supper all white men?'"
"It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself."
"It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen."
"My principles are more important than the money or my title."
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can't hit what his eyes can't see. Now you see me, now you don't. George thinks he will, but I know he won't."
"I'm young; I'm handsome; I'm fast. I can't possibly be beat."
"A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life."
"Don't count the days; make the days count."
"If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it—then I can achieve it."
"I've made my share of mistakes along the way, but if I have changed even one life for the better, I haven't lived in vain."
"It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am."
"If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize."
"Braggin' is when a person says something and can't do it. I do what I say."
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was."
"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."
