I was in Newcastle Upon-Tyne the day he visited the streets were choked tens of thousands of people were there it was experience i will never forget.

He was the world heavyweight champion with an appeal that went beyond sport. The boxing star's dramatic life always grabbed media attention.

The public have been witness to life filled with drama, controversy and thrills including: his court battle to avoid jail for refusing to fight in Vietnam, his three world heavyweight championship wins, his conversion to Islam and his humanitarian work.

But now, he is a national icon celebrating his 70th birthday.