All Images via Corey Pellatt / Complex UK
London is paying tribute to the world's greatest athlete.
The O2 Arena is playing host to 'I Am The Greatest', a new exhibition celebrating the life and times of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who conquered the world with irrepressible ability and a game-changing persona.
I Am The Greatest will tell Muhammad Ali’s story both inside and outside of the ring, from his humble beginnings in Kentucky where he was known as “The Louisville Lip”, to becoming one of the most recognisable sports figures of the 20th Century, now known as “The Greatest of All Time”.
The exhibition features more than 100 artefacts - including gloves worn in fights with Henry Cooper and Joe Frazier, participation medals from the 1960 Rome Olympics and replica heavyweight world title belts - taking visitors through Muhammad Ali’s incredible journey.
Before the exhibition opened last Friday, we went behind-the-scenes at 'I Am The Greatest' to get an early look at Ali's awe-inspiring story brought to life.
"The Greatest of All Time"
As three-time world heavyweight champion, where he fought against some of the greatest prizefighters of all time, Ali is widely regarded as the finest fighter the world has ever seen.
Typically, the exhibition pays tribute to that. Amongst the artefacts on display are the gloves Ali wore in his 1971 fight with Joe Frazier, which was labelled as the 'Fight of the Century' and the infamous "split glove" that he wore against Britain's Henry Cooper in 1963.
The exhibition also includes Ali's participation medals from the 1960 Olympics – where he won gold for the USA – replicas of his Ring magazine world title belts and an embroidered gown.
"Bigger Than Boxing"
Muhammad Ali is far more than just a boxer though and the exhibition also reveals the stories behind his refusal to join the American military fighting in the Vietnam war and subsequent struggle to be accepted back into the boxing world. His religious conversion and his incredible interactions with some of the world’s most powerful and influential leaders including Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and even Saddam Hussein.
Muhammad Ali was named ‘Fighter Of The Year’ by Ring Magazine more times than any other boxer, and he dominated his sport like no one else ever has. In 1999, Ali was awarded both the BBC Sports Personality Of The Century and Sports Illustrated magazine’s Athlete of the Century awards. This exhibition recognises Ali's life beyond the ring.
I Am The Greatest runs at the O2 Arena from now until August 31st. Prices start at £18 for adults, £15 for concessions and £9 for children.