Though he lost a comeback title fight against Joe Frazier in 1971, he recaptured it eventually after winning an epic battle against George Foreman in Zaire in 1974.
Another epic bout with Frazier in 1975 started the decline. But Ali didn't let go any opportunity in Manila to taunt Frazier, and even penned a poem, 'It's gonna be a chilla, and a killa, and a thrilla, when I get the Gorilla in Manila.'
Ali retained the heavyweight title till 1978, when he was beaten by 1976 Olympic champion Leon Spinks. But the champion returned to his throne the very next year when the disoriented Spinks left the ring after 15 rounds.
He announced his first retirement the same year, but returned on October 2 1980, challenging Larry Holmes for the WBC's version of the world heavyweight title.
Ali lost that fight, promoted as 'The Last Hurrah.' Holmes, Ali's former sparring partner, admitted he had held back a few punches out of respect for his idol.
The man whose name once packed stadiums across the world had few takers for his final bout against Trevor Berbick in 1981. It was a clear mismatch, and neither organisers nor fans lined up as the event took place in Nassau in the Bahamas.
Ali, 39, lost in 10 rounds and retired permanently.
Ali wins his third world heavyweight title against Leon Spinks. Photograph: Allsport
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