Muhammad Ali, 1954

In 1954, television programmers had no idea what they were doing when they put a 12-year-old Muhammad Ali on a show called, “Tomorrow’s Champions.”

At the time, going by his birth name Cassius Clay, this 12-year-old would go on to become ranked as one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time. He’s also regarded as one of the most celebrated figures in sports of the 20th century.

10 years later… Ali in 1967

Muhammad Ali Displays His Winnings

Flying like a butterfly certainly pays off. The boxing legend definitely has come a long way from the 12-year-old boy featured earlier on this list. On his way to becoming the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali earned a lot of belts and even more piles of cash.

When posing for this photo, he told the Sports Illustrated reporter that he was the greatest for another reason too. Unlike other boxers of his era, Muhammad Ali attributed his notoriety to his ability to “throw the jive.” He continued, saying that he was “a boxer who can throw the jive better than anybody you will probably ever meet anywhere.”

Already in his young age he nicknamed “The Greatest”. And he deservedly carried this nickname throughout his life.

(Source: Pastchronicles)