Six of the Biggest Fights of Muhammad Ali's Career

Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight boxing champion of the world and one of the iconic figures of his time, died late Friday night after a long, public battle with Parkinson's Disease.

• FULL OBIT: Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest,' Dead At 74

With 56 wins, 37 wins by knockout, a golden gloves championship, three world heavyweight championship reigns, 37 Sports Illustrated covers and an Olympic gold medal, Ali was one of the most decorated athletes of all time.

Ali said it himself: He was the greatest.

Ali's career included more than 60 fights. Don't see one of your favorites on this list? Let us know about it in the comments below.

Here are some of the biggest fights of Muhammad Ali's career:

1960 Olympic Gold Medal

At just 18 years old, Ali, then known by his birth name Cassius Clay, won a gold metal in the Olympics in Rome. His final fight was against Poland's Zbigniew 'Ziggy' Pietrzykowski, a man in his late 20s. Ali struggled in the first two rounds, but by the final round he found his footing and came out victorious

Though he garnered positive media attention for the win, few foresaw the greatness he would achieve. But his charisma and charm were evident even then, winning him the moniker "the mayor" in the Olympic Village that year.

Sonny Liston 1964

The fighter still known as Clay beat Sonny Liston in 1964 to earn his first world heavyweight title in one of the most hyped boxing matches ever.

It was during the build up to the fight that Ali became known for his incredible showmanship, earning the nickname "The Louisville Lip." But even though Ali was capturing media attention, he was largely counted out against the seasoned veteran Liston. Ali was a seven to one underdog in the betting line at fight time.

It was after the Liston fight that Ali changed his name. He changed his name to Cassius X just days after the fight but to Muhammad Ali one month later.

Ali vs. Liston II 1965

After Ali's remarkable upset of Sonny Liston in 1964, the two fighters met again one year later in Lewiston, Maine. The rematch didn't disappoint.

Ali knocked Liston out in the first round with what has become known as the "phantom punch." The punch was thrown with such power and speed that many in attendance didn't even know Ali punched Liston. But then Liston went down on one knee and eventually rolled onto his back.

When Liston was on his back, Ali stood over him. The end of the fight yielded one of the most iconic images ever taken.

Joe Frazier 1971

After being stripped of his championships and prevented from boxing for three years because he refused to fight in the Vietnam War, Ali returned to the ring in a highly anticipated fight with the undefeated champion Joe Frazier.

Ali clashed publicly with Frazier over differences in their political views, with Ali calling his opponent an "Uncle Tom."

After 15 rounds, the judges ruled in favor of Frazier, handing Ali the first loss of his professional career. The first fight between Ali and Frazier is sometimes referred to as "the Fight of the Century."

George Foreman 1974

Known as the "Rumble in the Jungle," Ali sparred with Foreman in Zaire to reclaim the world heavyweight title. In a wrenching eight rounds, Ali's dexterous and nimble style faced Foreman's sheer strength.

Ali demonstrated his famous "rope-a-dope" technique, leaning into the ropes and allowing his body to absorb punches rather than his head. When this approach left Foreman exhausted, Ali was able to deliver the knockout.

Joe Frazier 1975

After his loss to Frazier in 1971 and a subsequent win in 1974, Ali took the tiebreaker from Frazier in a victory in 1975. The fight was dubbed the "Thrilla in Manilla," and almost went the distance before Frazier bowed out in the 14th round.

It was a fitting end to one of boxings greatest rivalries.

Image: State Archives and Library of Florida