He made goodwill missions to Afghanistan and North Korea, he brought medical supplies to Cuba and even helped to secure the release of 15 American hostages from Iraq before the 1990 Gulf War all in spite of his own suffering.

Ali had a cold and was wary of Lewis, who was. In 1984 Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease but he was determined to carry on making a difference. Muhammad Ali was always about so much more than boxing, and that week in Dublin was another case in point, as the fight itself was not a classic. His two epic bouts – the Thrilla in Manila against Joe Frazier and the Rumble in the Jungle versus George Foreman – weren’t just great boxing matches, they became two of 20th century’s great stories. His impressive fighting style combined with his charismatic personality took boxing to another level. He said he was “the greatest” he had a pointĭeclaring yourself “the greatest” might seem like a fate-tempting, self-aggrandising statement, but Ali fought to live up to the standards he set himself. Yet his determination, principles and fearlessness in speaking out ensured Ali won through eventually – both in and out of the ring. He was stripped of titles, banned from his boxing and threatened with prison. To help the victims and their families, he donated 10 of the. His frank stance on politics and society upset the conservative establishment of 1960s and 70s America. When Ali was just 20 years old, a coal mine in Pennsylvania had a methane gas explosion. But Ali was never afraid to speak up, even when his views were controversial – expressing his strong opinions on race, religion and war.

For some that was a provocation in itself. His bouts didn’t end in the ringĪli was a successful black man living during one of the most turbulent periods for race relations in American history. Don’t count the days, make the days count.

The great muhammad ali