In this corner of the ring -- in fact, in every corner of the ring -- stands Neil Leifer. The undisputed champ of boxing photography, Leifer has delivered some of the sport’s most iconic and memorable images in Sports Illustrated’s 60-year history, none more so than Ali posed over Liston. Like a skilled practitioner in the ring, Leifer brings a variety of skills to bear, adjusting his plan on the fly. Some of his handiwork is predicated on power and force. Other times, he relies on instinct and imagination and subtle nuance, finding openings that only he sees.

Here, in the first of a series of Sports Illustrated Photo Legends longform presentations, Leifer reveals -- in his own words and via video -- the behind-the-scenes effort it took to attain some of the seminal photos in boxing history.