Through the Lens at Greatness: Chris Smith’s Iconic Journey with Muhammed Ali
In an exhibition at the Alon Zakaim Gallery, in London, (now until the 8th November 2024), the legendary Mohammed Ali’s life is spread across the canvas documenting his career highs, lows and conflicts. Ali remains one of the most striking, recognisable faces in the world of sport – arguably in the world – but who is the man behind the lens? In a pre-digital age, using a simple 400 mm lens, Chris Smith journeyed from Hartlepool to Miami, as Cassius Clay became Mohammed Ali.
Upbringing
Chris’ photography career began at 16, joining local newspaper the Hartlepool Mail with sport being his primary focus. He jokes that because the other photographers, “didn’t like getting wet on a Saturday”, the responsibility fell on his shoulders to cover the local sports stories, predominantly football, rugby and cricket.
In his twenties, he joined the Daily Herald based in Fleet Street which he said was, “the Mecca of journalism for newspaper people.” In 1964, the budding British band The Beatles announced their first U.S. tour, giving Chris the perfect opportunity to fly to New York to try to grab some eye-catching photos for the paper.
Cassius Clay, a young upstart in the boxing world at the time, was training in Miami for his first fight against the formidable champion Sonny Liston. With his sporting cap on, Chris couldn’t resist the temptation and flew south to document this young prodigy. Little did he know, that this decision would propel him into sport journalism royalty.
Ali and The Beatles
In the 5th Street gym, Chris was allowed permission to photograph Clay’s training routine for the next few weeks. While other photographers waited for the big stage ring to grab their shots, Chris said, “I always found it far more interesting photographing training, you get a different side to the character.”
Naturally, Cassius was unfazed by any distractions. The photos only reinforced his public image as the people’s champion, the fighter beyond the ring and emphasised his grace in motion.
“He used the cameras and played to it. Take the cameras away and he reacted the same, it was great fun,” he said.
One of Smith’s most famous images of Ali (above) is from his training sessions, where the boxer is seen poised, focused, and elegant. Smith’s lens goes beyond capturing the athlete’s physical form; it captures his defiance and determination. These images are imbued with a sense of tension, reflecting Ali’s struggle not only with his opponents but with a society that demanded he conform to its expectations. He was an icon for so many and that status carries with it huge responsibility.
On 18th February 1964, The Beatles strolled into his camp. They all banded together in an unruly session at the gym which gave Chris the opportunity to take a photograph containing arguably the five most recognisable faces on the planet. Sixty years later, and both are for many still the greatest ever in their professions.
Ali and Civil rights movement
The 1960s was a decade defined by the civil rights movement, and Muhammad Ali was a vocal advocate for racial justice. As a black man in a predominantly white America, Ali understood the implications of his fame and the platform it afforded him. In 1964, he converted to Islam and changed his name to reflect this, and in 1967 he refused the Vietnam War draft citing his religious beliefs.
In one image, Ali stands tall, surrounded by microphones, addressing the press. His expression is one of steely determination. This was one of many images which helped frame Ali as a figurehead for black resistance and empowerment, making him an indelible part of the civil rights movement.
Ali the joker
Aside from his steeliness, Ali was undoubtedly one of the most charismatic celebrities in history. Even during his press conference, he was cheeky. People were endeared to his sharp wit and intelligence and none more so than Chris. He recalls that during a trip to Chicago, how the crowds flocked to see him, waiting hours at a time to get a glimpse of the man.
He said: “When he went out people just loved him. It’s nice to have these moments away from the frenzy where you get a different side of the person.”
In capturing Ali’s story, Chris Smith elevated sports photography to a new level, showing that the role of the sports photographer is not merely to document action, but to capture the essence of the human condition – strength, struggle, defiance, and triumph.
Chris looks fondly back at his relationship with Ali and without question believes there will never be another like him.
He said: “It’s a bit of an overworked cliché when people say we’ll never see another like him but I think in this case that is true.”
Through his work, the world saw Muhammad Ali not just as a fighter, but as a symbol of resistance, justice, and hope
