I was born in January 1942 in Kentucky, USA, to my father Marcellus a painter / decorator and my mother Odessa a cleaner. My four brothers, two sister and I were brought up as Baptists, but we are all of African American descent, with Irish and English heritage.


Age 12 my bicycle was stolen, and I reported it to the Louisville police officer Joe E. Martin. It was he who helped me on the way to the giddy heights of my chosen sport.


By the 1960 I had recorded 100 wins with only five losses, including a gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. I turned professional on October 29th of that same year.


February 25th 1964, saw my first shot at the title in Miami, against the Big Bear. As the Louisville Lip I won, despite many allegations that there was a fix.


In my professional career I record 56 wins, 37 by KO, and only 5 losses, in boxing's Heavyweight divisions. I would celebrate each win with my now famed 'Shuffle'. Converted to Islam in 1975, I am considered one of the greatest sportsmen ever. Who Am I ?