LIFE magazine's rare photos of Muhammad Ali

Acclaimed LIFE magazine photographer Gordon Parks photographed boxing great Muhammad Ali, who died June 3, 2016, at a pivotal time in Ali's life in 1966 and 1970. Parks created a "psychological portrait" of the boxer with these unique, intimate photos -- some of which have never been seen before -- during a period in which Ali changed his name from Cassius Clay, converted to Islam and declared himself a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War.

In 1966, Parks sought to show "the human side of the smooth-talking fleet-footed boxer who came off as supremely confident, even arrogant, in his public appearances," according to The Gordon Parks Foundation. The publication of that first magazine story, which Parks also wrote, helped redefine Ali's career. The later profile in 1970 for LIFE was done at a time when Ali, then 28, was seeking to win back his world heavyweight title from Joe Frazier, after a three-year suspension from boxing for his refusal to be drafted.

Twenty eight photos are on exhibition in "American Champion" by The Gordon Parks Foundation in Pleasantville, New York through September 24, 2016.

A portrait of Muhammad Ali during training in Miami - 1966

Muhammad Ali

Ali gets a rubdown from his masseur in Miami - 1966

Both African-American men, Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali, were legends in their respective fields and broke barriers. They formed a bond during the two photo shoots.

Parks was LIFE magazine's first black photographer. Much of his work focused on themes of social justice that included poverty, civil rights, segregation. His compelling work on the Jim Crow south published in the magazine brought the reality of segregation to the public's consciousness in a profound way.

Parks sough to provide a portrait of Ali that was more well-rounded than existed in the media culture of the 60s and 70s, not just focusing on him as a brash boxer, but capturing Ali at prayer, with fans and relaxing.

Muhammad Ali

Ali and a young boy in Miami - 1966

Gordon described seeing Ali once spending hours in the hot sun signing autographs for children.

Ali was training in Miami for his upcoming fight with Henry Cooper.

Muhammad Ali

Ali prays in his rented bungalow in Miami - 1966

When Ali declared, " don't have no quarrel with those Vietcongs!" he was seen by many in the public as a traitor. In the LIFE article, he both photographed and wrote, Gordon explained that the situation made him sympathetic towards "the brash, poetry-spouting kid" and he admired Ali.

When the two men met Ali said, "They tell me you're the greatest," referring to Parks' talent as a photographer.

Muhammad Ali

Ali's bare fists, London - 1966

Muhammad Ali

Ali with hotel kitchen staff in Miami - 1966

Ali was training in Miami for his upcoming fight with Henry Cooper.

Muhammad Ali

Ali driving a cadillac in Miami - 1966

Muhammad Ali

Ali clowning around with young fans in Miami - 1966

Muhammad Ali

Ali speaks with reporters before his fight with Henry Cooper in London - 1966

Muhammad Ali

Ali greets fans in London - 1966

Ali was seen in England as a "courteous gentleman."

Muhammad Ali

Ali reads a magazine story about himself in London - 1966

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Muhammad Ali fights Henry Cooper in London - 1966

Cooper sustained a cut that required 16 stitches. Ali won by TKO in round 6 of 15.

The story published in LIFE was titled, "The Redemption of the Champion."

Muhammad Ali's comeback

In 1970, Parks spent time with Ali in Miami as he was preparing for an upcoming bought with Jerry Quarry on October 26 in Atlanta. Ali scored a third-round TKO over Quarry.

By the time of the photographer's second photo shoot with Ali the 28-year-old had paid a high price for his refusal to be drafted. Ali was kept away from the ring for three years at the peak of his career, with the loss of his boxing license and stripped of his titles. He had avoided serving jail time when his conviction on draft evasion charges was overturned.

Muhammad Ali

Ali with fans in Miami - 1970

Gordon described seeing Ali once spending hours in the hot sun signing autographs.

Muhammad Ali

Ali in Miami - 1970

Ali was determined to regain his champion status and Parks' photos show the intensity of that mission. Parks saw Ali as older, wiser and more subdued after his three years away from boxing and public battles. He was obsessed with taking on Joe Frazier and winning back his heavyweight championship title.

Muhammad Ali

Ali jogging in London ahead of his fight with Irishman Jerry Quarry - 1970

Ali scored a third-round TKO over Quarry, signaling his competitive return to boxing.

Muhammad Ali

Ali in London - 1966

The exhibition "American Champion" by The Gordon Parks Foundation is on view in Pleasantville, New York through September 24, 2016.

Photos: Muhammad Ali 1942-2016