When We Were Kings Muhammad Ali documentary remembered as 'all time greatest' by fans

It has been hailed as one of the best sporting documentaries ever made and will forever immortalise Muhammad Ali on screen.

Oscar-winning We Were Kings tells the story of the boxing legend's famous heavyweight championship bout with George Foreman.

Titled 'Rumble in the Jungle' it was one of Ali's greatest ever fights and the documentary film followed the sporting star in the lead up to the 1978 match and then his eight-round battle to victory.

It took director Leon Gast 22 years to finance and edit the picture and was released in 1996, long after Ali had retired and had been diagnosed with Parkinsons.

The documentary has been hailed as one of the greatest of all time

It was an inspirational look at one of the world's sporting legends

Muhammad Ali was honoured at the Celebrity Fight Night (

Image:

Getty Images)

Ali - who sadly died aged 74 on Friday after a 35-year battle with the disease - joined Foreman and the director on stage at the Oscars to collect their Best Documentary award.

After news of his passing, fans have reminisced fondly over the film with many urging those to revisit it to remember the all-time greatest.

"Muhammad Ali #RIP was a great American, wit, & athlete & "When We Were Kings" is the greatest sports doc ever made," said one fan.

While another echoed the same sentiment: "When We Were Kings is one of the best sports documentaries made."

"Remembering Ali: "When We Were Kings" says it all, an amazing documentary & an incredible time-capsule experience," said another.

One sad fan recalled: "When We Were Kings is a great documentary that I've seen many times. Really lets you see Ali, his personality and impact at its greatest."

"When We Were Kings" is one of the few movies I've ever seen that has brought me to genuine tears."

The documentary film was not the only epic moment to remind fans of the boxing legend's illustrious career.

Read more:Watch the unforgettable moment Muhammad Ali called out Brian Clough

For TV host Michael Parkinson Ali was one of 'the most remarkable men' he ever met and his appearances on the show will go down in history.

As tributes flood in for the star there are some moments that simply can never be forgotten. Here, we look back on some of Ali's best TV appearances from Parkinson, lighting the torch at the Olympics and the hugely funny wrestle with his opponent Joe Frazier.

His four appearances on Michael Parkinson

Ali appeared on Parkinson's television talk show on four separate occasions, the first in 1971, followed by others in 1974, 1975 and 1981.

The boxing legend showed off his witty side and the presenter has often reflected on how he "lost" against his witty and sharp opponent on each occasion.

Perhaps the most memorable interview was his first in1971, when Ali openly addressed race and said that as a young black man he would ask his mother "why is everything white?"

Lighting the Olympic flame at the 100th anniversary

It was a total surprise to everyone in the arena, and around the world, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games when Ali appeared to light the flame at the opening ceremony.

There was not a dry eye in sight when he emerged, shaking but holding the torch to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Olympics.

The organisers of the games had kept his appearance a secret and his 1984 diagnosis of Parkinsons made the moment even more poignant and inspirational.

LIVE:Latest updates and tributes to Muhammad Ali

His TV wrestle with Joe Frazier

The pair had the 'Fight of the Century' in 1971 at Madison Square Garden where Ali lost to Frazier after 15 rounds, but when they sat down to analyse their battle they ended up in a scuffle.

Invited to look back on the fight and in preparation for their rematch in 1974, tempers flared when Ali provoked Frazier and he jumped up out of his seat to challenge his opponent.

Just when Ali looked like he was being the bigger man and not rising to Frazier's taunts he surprised him and grabbed hold of his neck and the pair wrestled on stage.

Read more:Michael Parkinson remembers Muhammad Ali with touching tribute

Presenting at the Oscars with Sylvester Stallone

Ali's wicked sense of humour came out to play when he surprised Sylvester aka Rocky Balboa on stage at the 1977 Oscars ceremony.

The actor was on stage to present Best Supporting Actress when Ali crept up behind him and the accused Sly of "stealing his script" for the Rocky movies.

And then to top it off the two proceeded to spar on stage much to the delight of the whole auditorium, with Sly gushing over the boxing legend.

Diff'rent Strokes sitcom cameo

It was a rare occasion for Ali as he made a memorable appearance on the American sitcom Diff'rent Strokes.

The only way the gang could get the boxing great to meet his biggest fan Arnold was to tell him he was dying, as Ali arrives to grant him his final wish he deadpans: "I hope I'm not too late."

Most will remember Arnold saying: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Muhammad Arnold, the champ, that's me!”

Read more:This amazing clip shows the true speed of Muhammad Ali's fists: 11 punches in just 3 seconds

This is Your Life

There's perhaps no better way to celebrate the great Ali than taking a look at the programme dedicated to his life which aired back in 1978.

Ali was left totally surprised when he was presented with his close friends and family paying tribute to him and the impact his life had on others.

The best moment comes when his adversary Joe Frazier's voice is overheard and Ali is gobsmacked as he comes out, but despite years of animosity the pair warmly embrace each other like old pals.

Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard surprise Ali

The two boxing stars surprised Ali during his appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989.

Asked who would have won between the pair if they had fought, Ali quickly pointed to Tyson.

But Tyson paid homage to the heavyweight champion: "I know I'm great but can I tell you something, in this situation this the greatest of all time."

Read more:The life of Muhammad Ali captured in iconic pictures after 'The Greatest' dies aged 74

Ali on Oprah

Back in 2000 the boxer praised Will Smith for his portrayal as Ali, but who was better as Ali?

Well Ali of course. It's always Ali.

Read more:Muhammad Ali's five greatest fights - including 'Thrilla in Manila' and 'Rumble in the Jungle'

Ali and Will Smith join forces post 9/11

The sporting great, who was originally named Cassius Clay and converted to Islam in 1975, was joined by the actor to share a message about religion not being connected to the horrific terror attacks in 2001.

"I am a Muslim, I've been a Muslim for 20 years. I am against killing and violence, and all Muslims are against it. Islam is peace, against killing, murder and terrorism."