On this day, February 25, 1964, a young 22-year-old Muhammad Ali, then still known by his birth name of Cassius Clay, defeated Sonny Liston to become the Heavyweight Champion. One of his best, and arguably most famous, phrases , “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see” was uttered about this fight, a fight in which Ali was was not favored to win. But win he did, and from it we got another unforgettable Ali quote, “I am the greatest!”
Interested in learning more about the Muhammad Ali? Check out some of the library’s resources about him here.
Enjoy this photo from the TIME 100 Photos Collection
