There really is only one.

[Highlander]

I think this is the appropriate section to post this because in my opinion the man transcends sport.

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. celebrates his 70th birthday today.

Many happy returns to the greatest sportsman of his time and possibly any other.

[GordonA]

Could not agree more "H". Simply the BEST .

[Scunner]

The best boxer and one of the great humans of recent times. I remember Ali saying that he has to be the best, not just the best boxer - if he had been a dustman, he'd have had to have been the best dustman in the World, lifted the most dutbins or whatever it takes to be the best dustman. The fact is, we all know that he would have been and that says it all about the man.

[Highlander]

...one of the greatest humans of recent times.

As witness the dignity with which he deals with his illness.

The sight of him with the Olympic flame in 1996 was simply awesome.

[fletch]

Just simply "The Greatest"

[Sleuth]

Like John Lennon said" before elvis there was no music "  likewise with Ali .. before Ali there was no big interest in boxing ( in the UK ) as such, and certainly interest died when Ali retired .. I loved his humour,  his talent, and his charisma ...  and the women loved his looks :-) even the women watched boxing when Ali was performing :-) and yes without doubt the `greatest` sports personality of the 20th century

[Colwyn]

I remember his entry on to the world scene when he fought Sonny Liston, All the boxing experts predicted that he had no chance. Clay, as then was, was 7-1 against; too small, too pretty, Liston - the beast - would tear him apart. Didn't quite work out like that.

[tonyb]

"The Greatest" No other sportsman/woman comes even close to deserving that title. This man is a living legend who has fought the best the boxing world could throw at him, treated every opponent with respect & dignity after he's fought them, whether he's won or lost. The banter before the fights was all about putting backsides on seats. No other fighter will ever attract the worlds attention, curiosity or endearment like Ali. Even now, he's dealing with his illness in the same  manner as he fought in the ring, with bravery & dignity .It would have been easy to go into hiding after being such a supreme athlete & then to struck down by such a terrible dibilitating desease. Not Ali, as H said earlier, to light that Olympic torch took an immense amount of courage. Something this man will never be found wanting for. Happy Birthday to "The Greatest" sportsman of the twentieth century. A true one-off.

[valleyboy]

An amazing human being, a terrific sportsman, the World has been a richer place for his presence   - Many happy returns