“The greatest. Period.”

One of the greatest sporting figures of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali, was most well-known for his heavyweight boxing career. Some of the greatest highlights of his 21-year career include 56 wins, an Olympic gold medal, and the title of being the first fighter to win three heavyweight championships. By the age of 18, when he still went by his birth name Cassius Clay Jr., he had clinched two Golden Gloves, two Athletic Union titles, and maintained a 100-8 record. From this young age, everyone knew he was someone to keep an eye on.

His debut in the boxing ring came on October 29, 1960, when he was seen to overwhelm every opponent he went against using his quick, aggressive jabs and unbelievable speed. His first title shot, and ultimate claim to fame, took place when he went against reigning champion Sonny Liston. Going into the fight, Ali was deemed the underdog although he promised the world his tactic would be to "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." And sure enough, Muhammad Ali was named the heavyweight champ of the world. It was around this same time that he was seen publicly with Malcolm X, and Ali made the life-changing announcement that he was, in fact, joining the Nation of Islam. Little did he know at the time, this decision would later take a toll on his boxing career.

Standing true to his Islamic beliefs by refusing to abide with the military draft in 1967, he was stripped of his heavyweight championship and was banned from boxing at all during the peak of his career by the New York State Athletic Commission. With the Vietnam War raging on, his popularity decreased drastically as many people accused him of trying to evade his military duties as an American citizen. During his three-year suspension from boxing, however, Ali traveled to college campuses all across America speaking out against the war and advocating for his beliefs of peace. Eventually, as the American people grew tired and frustrated with the Vietnam War as well, they sided with Ali once more.

After returning to boxing after his suspension, he was in the ring against Joe Frazier for the heavyweight crown in what was known as the "Fight of the Century." This was the first time that Ali had been defeated in his professional career against the undefeated Joe Frazier.

In 1978, Ali lost his title once more to Leon Spinks, but defeated him in retaliation seven months later. This was the moment when he became the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times, and was the last heavyweight title he would ever win in his life. Recognizing this great accomplishment of his, Muhammad Ali decided to retire from the ring in 1979.

Just a few years later, in 1984, the whole world recognized the devastating news that Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome, which could have very well been connected to the numerous head traumas he suffered during his career. The invincible, strong, forthright man that people of all genders, ages and backgrounds admired began to crumble before them. His motor skills slowly deteriorated and he was very limited in both his movement and speech, although he would not let that put a damper on his humanitarian efforts to change the world. He met with Saddam Hussein in 1990 to negotiate the release of American hostages and traveled again to Afghanistan in 2002 to try and spread peace in the midst of war. All while suffering tremendously from Parkinson's.

Some final highlights to reflect on before his death was him being named BBC's "Sporting Personality of the Century and Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Century." He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a 2005 White House ceremony, and he also opened the $60 million Muhammad Ali Center, a museum and cultural center in Louisville, Kentucky, focusing on spreading peace and helping those around you.

Although he physically left us all on June 3, 2016, his legacy will live on forever.

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth" -Muhammad Ali

"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer" -Muhammad Ali

"The will must be stronger than the skill" -Muhammad Ali