He was known for his quick punches, and even quicker tongue. He proclaimed himself 'The Greatest', and then went on to prove it time and time again. He was a boxer, a civil rights champion and one of the most loved sportsman in history. 

He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay but the world would better know him as Muhammad Ali. 

On Friday, Ali died at a Phoenix-area hospital, where he had spent the past week being treated for respiratory complications, according to NBC News.

He was 74.

His boxing accomplishments:

61 fights

over a professional career lasting 21 years

56 wins

including 37 knockouts

3 times crowned World Heavyweight Champion

1 Light-heavyweight Olympic gold medal

31 straight wins before being beaten by Joe Frazier