Muhammad Ali celebrates 70th birthday

Muhammad Ali was the world heavyweight champion with an appeal that went beyond sport.

The boxing star's dramatic life always grabbed media attention. The public has been witness to a life filled with drama, controversy and thrills including: his court battle to avoid jail for refusing to fight in Vietnam, his three world heavyweight championship wins, his conversion to Islam and his humanitarian work.

Now, he is a national icon celebrating his 70th birthday.

Al Jazeera's John Terrett reports from Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.