Muhammad Ali was a legend in the ring but his mouth turned him into a global superstar

Muhammad Ali’s quick feet and hands made him a giant in the ring ... but his mouth turned him into a global star.

His silver tongue was more than a match for everyone he met – whether it was the biggest pop band on the planet, politicians or even the Pope.

His verbal sparring with chat show host Michael Parkinson and motormouth football manager Brian Clough were TV gold – and there was always only ever one winner, the Louisville Lip.

The Greatest was able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Presidents including George W Bush and Bill Clinton, and even traded playful blows with South African leader Nelson Mandela.

Muhammad Ali with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (

Image:

Getty)

Bill Clinton leans on former world boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali (

Image:

Getty)

And his legendary status allowed him to appear on the same stage as the biggest celebrity names including Diana Ross, Angelina Jolie , Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Jackson and Bono.

Ali was a true champion, and was held in awe by sporting greats, such as old foe Henry Cooper, Jack Nicklaus, Lennox Lewis and footie hero David Beckham .

Wherever he went, whoever he met, he brought something special– crossing the worlds of sport, showbiz and politics. With Ali in attendance there was always that extra buzz of excitement.