Never-before-seen photographs of Muhammad Ali on show in new exhibition

A new exhibition shows the iconic boxer in the later stages of his career, proving himself over and again to truly be "The Greatest"
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A new exhibition opening at Proud Camden will show some never before seen photographs of boxing titan, Muhammad Ali, called The Champ: My Year With Muhammad Ali.

The beautiful photographs show Ali, the first boxer ever to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World three times, during the later years of his career, around 1977 - 78.

Though Ali, often regarded as the greatest boxer of all time, won his final title in a rematch against Leon Spinks in 1978, he was by this point past his prime and beginning to suffer the very early onset of Parkinson’s disease. His doctor, Ferdie Pacheco, quit at this time, protesting that Ali should retire because of the intense physical punishment he had recieved. While Ali was a skillful and fast boxer, he was blessed with an 'iron chin' and a seemingly inexhaustible ability to absorb punches. In fact, Ali was never once counted out and only hit the canvas four times during his entire career.

The photographs, caught by Michael Gaffney, show the determination and grit which marked Ali as boxing’s finest. There are also a number of tender family portraits in the collection, showing a little of the charm and personality which made Ali a talk show favourite and arguably the most popular champion of all time.

The Champ: My Year With Muhammad Ali opens at Proud Camden, The Horse Hospital, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH, March 17 until May 15, proudonline.co.uk

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

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