a month later, against all the odds-makers, cassius clay defeated sonny listton to become the heavyweighthampion of the world. he then punched his way through famous fights with joe frazier and george foreman, entertaining with his pummeling jabs, his prancing footwork and a personality filled with poetic wit. like his butterfly, sing like a bee." his controversial conversion to islam, changing his name to muhammad, and refusal to invite in vietnam shut down his career for a few years. temporarily taking away his titles. he was down, but not out. and in standing firm for his principles on racial justice and religious freedom, he won the respect of many. he made a comeback in the ring, regaining his lost titles, and he remains today the only man who has three times been crowned heavyweight champion of the world. by the world boxing association. muhammad ali proudly earned his place in history books as one of america's greatest athletes, earning the praise of presidents and people around the world. while books tell his story, the museum hopes to do more. >> i think people get excited when,