Muhammad Ali became heavyweight champion of the world when he defeated defending champion Sonny Liston 53 years ago today.

Ali came into the bout in Miami Beach, Florida as an 8-1 underdog. Liston cut a truly intimidating presence, but in typical fashion Ali was not daunted. Prior to the fight, he baited the man he famously called the “big, ugly bear”.

This psychological warfare appeared to work in the ring, where Liston spat out his mouth guard at the end of the sixth round to signal the end of the contest. “The Greatest” now owned the title.

After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali devoted his life to religious and charitable work. In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome, which his doctors attributed to boxing-related brain injuries.

As the condition worsened, Ali made limited public appearances and was cared for by his family until his death on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Here’s what else happened on this day:

1989: Frank Bruno loses for second time to boxing great Mike Tyson.

2001: Australia’s Sir Don Bradman, arguably the greatest-ever cricketer, died of pneumonia aged 92.

2010: Wayne Bridge rules himself out for England after allegations about an affair between his ex-partner and England skipper John Terry.

2014: Bradford Bulls were docked six points for going into administration.