Muhammad Ali: 70th Birthday Gives Fans a Chance to Celebrate 'The Greatest'

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali turns 70 on Tuesday. It's a chance for fans to celebrate everything the icon has accomplished not only in the ring, but out of it as well.

Known as “The People's Champion,” he'll always be best remembered for what he accomplished as a boxer starting as Cassius Clay. He finished his career with a 56-5 career record, but three of those losses came as his career faded away and he could no longer "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

He was the most dominant figure in the sport for nearly two decades and had memorable bouts with other marquee names such as Joe Frazier and George Foreman.

In today's modern boxing world where it seems like the top names, most notably Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, aren't willing to match up with their top competition, you have to admire Ali's courage to fight anybody at anytime (highlights below).

It's that courage which allowed him to make such a large impact on the world.

He was never afraid to speak his mind about war, racism or any other prominent topic despite knowing the backlash would likely be severe. It takes a strong individual to stand up against pressure for what he believes to be right, and Ali certainly has done that throughout his life.

Even though his appearances have become far less frequent in recent years, he is still one of the most recognizable people on the planet, and his presence demands attention whenever he does make a public outing.

What makes that special is that it has allowed him to enjoy his legacy while still living. Most people's impact on the world isn't realized until they are long gone, but Ali's effect on society was so immediate and obvious that it is impossible to ignore.

He is truly a trailblazer who helped changed the lives of an untold amount of people simply by standing up for what is right. And that's why, on his 70th birthday, it's important for fans to take some time to remember how much good has come from Ali's relentless efforts.

Hopefully a lot of people learn from his example and keep pushing the envelope, no matter how difficult the journey tends to be.