Famous Eaters - Muhammad Ali

Continuing our series on the rich and famous who enjoy their food

NAME: Cassius Marcellus Clay (aka Muhammad Ali)

AGE: 63

FAVOURITE FOOD: Cashew nuts and honey

HIS LIFE: Born in Louisville, Kentucky, US, on 17 January 1942 to a working-class family, Cassius Clay Junior took up boxing at the tender age of 12 after his prized bicycle was stolen. Determined never again to be victimised, he spent his teenage years in the gym, to emerge as a boxing legend in the making. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he enjoyed an inspirational career in boxing, retiring in 1981. As famous for his outspokenness as his punches, he joined the Nation of Islam during the 1960s and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Since retirement he has become a global do-gooder, despite his battle with Parkinson's disease. Married four times, he is the father of nine children.

HIS ACHIEVEMENTS: A boxing career record of 56 wins, 37 by knockout, against five losses. Three times world heavyweight boxing champion, Ali was also renowned for his political activism. He is considered to be a major influence on rap music for his witty, rhyming-speaking style.

HIS FOOD: "The Greatest" ate honey before fights, perhaps to enhance his boxing style, which he said was to "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" - a tactic that enabled him to beat George Foreman in the wellknown Rumble in the Jungle fight. Clearly, Foreman's grills were not the only mean, lean, fat-burning machines!

However, life was not always sweet. After winning an Olympic gold medal in 1960, Ali was refused service in an American diner because of his colour. He was so disgusted by this racist act, he threw his medal into the Ohio River.

Ali also loves cashew nuts because of their nutritional benefits and was often presented with them as a gift by ministers when on ambassadorial visits.