The extraordinary life of Muhammad Ali is being celebrated by a new museum in his hometown, Louisville, Kentucky.

His charisma and legendary speed in the ring helped turn him into one of the most famous faces on the planet.

The 'Louisville Lip' retired in 1981 after fighting some of the most famous bouts in boxing history.

He has also been a political figure for many years, converting to Islam, standing against Vietnam and fighting discrimination.

This photo for Esquire was taken in 1968, at a time when Ali was banned from boxing for refusing to fight in Vietnam.

In an infamous 1974 interview, Ali railed at the BBC's Michael Parkinson. Here, in 1981, he looks more relaxed.

An honorary Olympic gold in 1996. Ali said he'd thrown his own in the Ohio River in disgust at racism, but really he had lost it.

He had brought tears to the eyes of many as he overcame his Parkinson's Disease tremors to light the Olympic flame.

Among his many honours was the Sports Illustrated's 20th Century Sportsman of the Century Award.

But he has also been recognised for his charitable endeavours, and work as an ambassador for peace.

His boxing legacy lives on, however. Ali's daughter Laila (r) became a professional fighter in 1999.