R.I.P. Greatest of All Time

[lbpesq]

I suspect that only those of us near my age or older can really appreciate how much of a loss I am feeling over the passing of Muhammad Ali.  I remember Ed Sullivan introducing Sonny Listen from the audience on the Sunday before "Cassius Clay" stunned the sporting world by defeating the heavily favored Listen.  Then he stunned the rest of the world by declaring himself "Muhammad Ali".  He was a joy to watch, at his best transforming an ugly sport into art.  And I loved him for his stand against the Vietnam war.  His sacrifices for his beliefs were impressive, losing 3 1/2 years of his prime.  Later he became a worldwide preacher of peace, arguably the most famous and beloved person on the planet.


May the Four Winds Blow You Safely Home ... Float Like a Butterfly


Bill, tgo

[hankster]

Just read the obit. He was an original and a strangely compassionate man. I recall very vividly watching his fights as a kid and waking up to the idea of war resistance because of his opposition to the Vietnam war. Like it or not, he had a legitimate claim to be called "the greatest".

[sonicus]

Too  Young !  Very Sad ____. There really was "LIGHT" in his life it seems. It beamed from him ! I think he taught everyone the importance  of following ones own conscience.___ Only you yourself can speak to the universe about that .He held him self accountable .  Integrity and light ! He will be missed.

    Wolf

[hammer]

Although Mohammed Ali was an icon in a "sport" that is inherently violent, has in recent years been found to be associated with CTE, and is not in line with my personal principles, I have greatly admired him since my youth.  He was a man who took a courageous stand based upon his ethical principles and refused to bow to either public pressure or the government of the time.  As others have stated, his courage was admirable in that he took full responsibility for his stand losing what would be millions of dollars over the 3.5 years of his suspension from boxing. Another truly great loss.

[cozmik_cowboy]

I have heard his press conference about his refusal 3 times in the last 2 days, and the part that rings loudest is his closing "....Just  take me to jail!"  Just straight up "This is right, so up yours & do what you will" - strongly reminds me of "If this be treason, make the most of it!"
And while I have pretty much always abhorred boxing, I always watched his fights for the sheer beauty of his skill; has any athlete ever been better at his sport?

Peter

[moongerm]

Yes RIP indeed, he was tough, entertaining, super funny, and classy. His jab was fierce and he was fast. The greatest of all time? There are a few greater I believe that didn't self proclaim it which is why I feel a little rant is in order, LoL. One comes to mind was also very classy, drafted and served in World War 2, 49 wins, zero lossses, 43 by ko, highest knockout percentage of any heavyweight champion in history. He only been knocked down twice, defended his title 6 times, beat Joe Louis, another boxer better than the greatest of all time also in my opinion. Rocky Marciano.

I digress, RIP "The Greatest" Ali , this is his time to be remembered.