Agencies
Scotsdale (Arizona), June 4: Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, whose record-setting boxing career, flair for showmanship and political stands made him one of the best-known figures of the 20th century, died here Friday. He was 74.
Ali, who had long suffered from Parkinson’s syndrome which impaired his speech and made the once-graceful athlete almost a prisoner in his own body, died a day after he was admitted to a Phoenix-area hospital with a respiratory ailment.
Even so, Ali’s youthful proclamation of himself as ‘the greatest’ rang true until the end for the millions of people worldwide who admired him for his courage both inside and outside the ring.
In every sport, once in a while comes an athlete who becomes bigger than the game itself. Like a Jesse Owens in athletics, a Sir Don Bradman in cricket or a Larry Bird or Michael Jordan in basketball, Ali was one such man who transformed boxing from what it was – a brawl between overweight fighters – to one of athleticism, fitness and a sport for the masses.
Along with a fearsome reputation as a fighter, Ali, spoke out against racism, war and religious intolerance, while projecting an unshakeable confidence and humour that became a model for African-Americans at the height of the civil rights era.
“Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest human beings I have ever met,” said George Foreman, who lost to Ali in Zaire in a classic 1974 bout known as the ‘Rumble in Jungle’. “No doubt he was one of the best people to have lived in this day and age. To put him as a boxer is an injustice.”
Ali enjoyed a popularity that transcended the world of sports, even though he rarely appeared in public in his later years.
Few could argue with his athletic prowess at his peak in the 1960s. With his dancing feet and quick fists, he could – as he put it – float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. He was the first person to win the heavyweight championship three times. But Ali became much more than a colourful and interesting athlete. He spoke boldly against racism in the 1960s, as well as the Vietnam War.
During and after his championship reign, Ali met scores of world leaders and for a time he was considered the most recognisable person on earth, known even in remote villages far from the United States. The late Nelson Mandela regarded him as ‘Champion Fighter for Causes’.
“We lost a giant today. Boxing benefited from Muhammad Ali’s talents but not nearly as much as mankind benefited from his humanity,” said Manny Pacquiao, a boxer and politician in the Philippines, where Ali fought arch rival Joe Frazier for a third time in a brutal 1975 match dubbed the ‘Thrilla in Manila’.
In a realm where athletes often battle inarticulateness as well as their opponents, Ali was known as the ‘Louisville Lips’ and loved to talk, especially about himself. “Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far,” he once told a reporter.
Tributes pour in for iconic boxer
Muhammad Ali was remembered in tributes worldwide for his iconic fight for social justice as well as his legendary boxing battles following his death Friday.
Ali spoke out for African-American civil rights in the 1960s, carrying on his fight against injustice and sacrificing prime years of his own career in the process.
Muhammad Ali was ‘The Greatest’ and a champion ‘who fought for what was right’, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle said Friday as they led America in mourning the death of the legendary boxer.
“Muhammad Ali shook up the world. And the world is better for it. We are all better for it. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family, and we pray that the greatest fighter of them all finally rests in peace,” Obama and the First Lady said in a statement.
“He is, without a question in my mind, the most transformative person of our time,” boxing promoter Bob Arum was quoted as saying by ESPN.
“Muhammad Ali had the most influence because he was this great sportsman, great boxer, the way he could connect with people, a great talker, he said what was on his mind, what he thought was right,” he added.
Boxing began mourning its greatest hero with ultimate praise. “We lost a legend, a hero and a great man,” said Floyd Mayweather, who retired as an unbeaten welterweight champion last year. “He’s one of the guys who paved the way for me to be where I’m at.”
Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson tweeted: “God came for his champion. So long great one. @Muhammad Ali, The Greatest RIP.”
Don King, who promoted Ali’s epic victory over George Foreman in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, said Ali will live on forever.
“He was tremendous, not just a boxer, a great human being, icon, and his spirit will never die, like Martin Luther King (Jr). They inspired people to do what was right and stand their ground. That is why Muhammad Ali will never die.”
US Presidential candidate Donald Trump tweeted: “Muhammad Ali is dead at 74! A truly great champion and a wonderful guy. He will be missed by all!”
