This was one of the most popular quotes by Muhammad Ali, the world’s ‘greatest’ boxer, who died yesterday. Known and revered across the globe for his prowess in the boxing ring, he was even more loved for his philanthropy and civil rights activism. Ali, who accidentally stumbled on his career as a boxer at the age of 12, went on to win the Heavyweight Championship three times.
Ali, 74, who was survived by nine children died yesterday, after he had been hospitalised and put on life support for respiratory issues. Prior to his death, he had a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease which, reportedly, led to his demise.
Here are 8 iconic moments that the legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, will forever be remembered for.
Muhammad Ali posed as the arrow pierced matyr, St. Sebastian, on the cover of Esquire, April 1968 issue. This was almost a year after his refusal to be conscripted into the US Army.Ali with Michael Parkinson, who interviewed him four times during his career.Thrilla in Manilla : Ali vs Joe Frazier.Muhammad Ali in “rumble in the jungle” against George Forceman in Zaire, while the crowd chanted “Ali Bomaye” – Ali kill him.Ali fought one last time on December 11, 1981 in Nassau against Trevor Berbick, losing a ten-round decision.Defying the odds and the American government, Ali traveled to Iraq, where 14 Americans were being held hostage by Saddam Hussein in the run-up to the Gulf War. Pictured here, one of the hostages was thanking Ali.Ali with Fidel Castro in Cuba, where Castro playfully asked Ali to punch his beard.Muhammad Ali received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian honour) from George Bush in 2005.
