Perseverence paid off for Katchian when Ali's challenge for Foreman's title was postponed due to an injury sustained by the champion.

Most of the press corps returned to base while Ali trained on, and Katchian captured his delight (left) as his then-girlfriend entered the gym at Deer Lake.

She touched on his iconic status in this shot (right) of young visitors trying to walk in his footsteps.

Nearly 34 years on, no other sportsman has ever come close to filling Ali's shoes.