The combination of Don King, Mike Tyson, and Bob Avrum has left such a negative impression in so many people's minds that it will take a boxer with the character and personality of Ali to recapture people's hearts. But there will never be another Ali.
Ali was, and still is, a symbol of hope for so many people, especially those of African descent. He showed that the game, any game, could be played on your own terms, and that you could stand up for what you believed in and still win. Maybe that's why he's treated like a head of state whenever he travels through Africa.
With his walk reduced to a shuffle and his speech slurred through the ravages of Parkinson's disease, he still commands immediate attention when he walks in a room. On the T.V. clips I've seen of him he still carries himself with dignity and that mischievous twinkle still shows up in his eye.
Thankfully somebody around Ali ensured that he would have money when he stopped boxing so he can now live out his days in comfort. When he boldly predicted he would knock out Sonny Liston more then forty years ago, he was dismissed as a loud mouth that would soon get his comeuppance. He has spent the time since confounding his critics both inside and out of the ring. Here's hoping he's able to for years still to come.
Article comments
1 - Lamar Cole
Muhammad Ali may be frail in body but not in spirit. Even now, he still has the heart of a champion.