On this day in 1964, The Beatles paid a visit to Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali

The group had been in America for just 11 days when they were whisked to Miami Beach’s 5th Street Gym for a photo opportunity with the then-22 years old boxer. 

At this time Clay was preparing for his big fight with Heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston, but was the 7-1 underdog and was anxious to drum up ticket sales and press attention. The Beatles were happy to meet with a boxer, though the group had made it known that Liston was who they had wanted to meet and not as Lennon described “that loudmouth who’s going to lose.” Liston however had no interest in meeting any kind of rock band just one week before a big fight and so they settled on Clay.

Photographers captured snapshots of the group goofing around with the boxer, with shots of Clay pretending to punch Harrison and the boxer lifting Ringo in his arms appearing in the news soon after. The band had already returned to London by the time the big fight went ahead and they were surprised to see Liston withdrew after 7 rounds, leaving Clay to claim “I’m the greatest!” which is said to be the inspiration behind Ringo Starr’s track of the same name, written by John Lennon.