On February 18, 1964, the worlds of boxing and music changed forever. In Miami’s 5th Street Gym, Muhammad Ali met The Beatles—just days before Ali’s first championship fight. What began as a simple publicity stunt became a genuine moment of historic significance, captured forever in Chris Smith’s playful and extraordinary photos.
Ali sparred (in jest) with the Fab Four, knocking them over like dominoes and lifting Ringo Starr. Laughter filled the gym, and Chris Smith’s images reveal honest joy and mutual admiration that transcended sports and music—sealing a unique cultural legacy.
- Biography.com: The Beatles and Muhammad Ali:
https://www.biography.com/musicians/the-beatles-muhammad-ali-photos-miami-1964 - The Beatles Bible:
The Beatles Meet Cassius Clay:
https://www.beatlesbible.com/1964/02/18/beatles-meet-cassius-clay/ - Wikipedia:
The Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_on_The_Ed_Sullivan_Show
- The Beatles Meeting Muhammad Ali – 18 February 1964: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpskRdKGgow