'The Greatest' - Muhammad Ali

Today is Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday, and to celebrate it I have pulled together a few photos that I think represent him as a man and as a boxer. In the past few months I have gathered a real interest in Ali's career, as well as boxing in the 60's and 70's. No matter what your opinion of him, you can't deny his ability to entertain, nor can you deny the impact he had on sport in the 20th century.



Ali stands over Sonny Liston after knocking him down in their heavyweight title fight



Ali still continues to joke around even in his later years



Named 'The Louisville Lip', Ali had a big mouth and was not afraid to show it

Ali's rivalry with former friend Joe Frazier is one of the fiercest ever seen in sport

It's Game Time - My Super Bowl Predictions

The NFL regular season over, the play-off schedule has been sorted and it’s time for the business end of the season. Here is my look at who I think are serious contenders to lift the Lombardi Trophy this season.

The Big Guns

Green Bay Packers -

Despite their unexpected loss to the Chiefs in week 15, Rodgers and the Packers are still firm favourites to win the Super Bowl having lost just once all season. Both their offense and defense are lethal and combined make up the best outfit in the NFL. They led the league in total offensive points scored and have a turnover ratio of +24. They will be tough to beat come post-season.

New England Patriots -

Tom Brady is back to his best this season, helped out by a talented receiving unit. That unit includes tight end Rob Gronkowski who broke the record for most touchdowns by a TE in a single season in week 14. Always dangerous in the play-offs, expect Brady to mount a serious charge for the Lombardi Trophy.

New Orleans Saints -

To complete the set we have Drew Brees and his Saints team. Brees led the league in passing yards, passing Dan Marino to record the most passing yards in a single season. They boast a good running game with Sproles, Thomas and Ingram, not to mention a great pass rushing defense. The Saints may well lift their second title in three years come February.

The Underdogs

Detroit Lions -

Matthew Stafford has established himself as one of the best QB’s in the NFL, and has a good receiving core to back him up. Their defense is a worry, having conceded an average of 24.2 points and over 360 yards per game. Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson could be the deciding factor for the Lions.

Houston Texans -

Houston have been without quarterback Matt Schaub for a large part of the season and have struggled in the final weeks of the regular season, losing to Carolina, Indianapolis and Tennessee in the last three weeks. However, they have an excellent running attack and one of the best defences in the NFL. Don’t rule them out causing an upset in the play-offs.

My Prediction

Packers to beat Patriots by 10 points.



Everyone will be fighting for the Lombardi Trophy