As a very young boy, I had admired him since I read about him throwing away his Olympic Gold medal in a river, because he was still treated differently (badly) because he was (still) black. Salute to that great Attitude. He worked the hardest and the best, and brought happy moments for his countrymen, but some chose to never understand the great man. Indeed, he was the greatest boxer of all time (arguably), and he was also one of the best persons America has ever produced.
I also remember the live coverage of an Olympic event where he carried the Olympic torch to its final destination, the Olympic cauldron, Atlanta Olympics 1996, even while his body was suffering... That was the highest honor given to him by all the Americans imo, more precious than all his winning trophies, belts, championships, and medals. A true patriot and a true sportsman of not only America but the entire world too...
RIP, dear Ali, you really deserve the well-earned rest in that very lovely, a very peaceful, and a very beautiful Home forever. Ali, you had been one of my real life heroes, right from my childhood along with another of the greatest human beings Bruce Lee, and you shall always be remembered very fondly! Somehow, both of you had given me the much-needed inner strength to fight off life's many adversities, and come out better and stronger...
RIP, and yes, keep that great flame burning in majesty still, till eternity, and beyond! God bless your wonderful soul!
P.S.:
I had done this B/W to Color image of one of his greatest moments in the boxing ring, and I present this as my ultimate respect towards the man who absolutely is one of those who have helped shaped my own life and attitude since my childhood:
Thanks, man! You're "The Greatest", and one of the very bests!
