Preprinted from The Associated Press, Saturday, June 4, 2016.
Muhammad Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion, whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world…died [Friday, June 3, 2016], according to a statement released by his family. He was 74.
Ali died in a Phoenix[, AZ,]-area hospital after battling respiratory problems, which drew his family members to his bedside. He was hospitalized earlier this week.
The…boxing great’s respiratory issues have been complicated by the Parkinson’s [disease], which ravaged his body but could never dim his larger-than-life presence. He was diagnosed…in the1980’s, two people told The Associated Press.
A towering figure in his prime, he still traveled and made appearances in his later years, despite being muted by the thousands of punches he took during his remarkable career. He beat the invincible Sonny Liston, fought a string of thrilling fights with Joe Frazier, and stopped George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire.
But he paid a terrible price for the estimated 29,000 punches he took to his head, during a career that made him, perhaps, the most recognized person in the world.
Editor’s note: Often provocative, Muhammad Ali was a poet and wordsmith. Following are some of his notable quotes.
“I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was.”
I know where I’m going, and I know the truth. I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”
“Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.”
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
If you even dream of beating me, you’d better wake up and apologize.”
To make America the greatest is my goal, so I beat the Russian, and I beat the Pole. And for the USA won the medal of gold. The Greeks said, “You’re better than the Cassius of old.”
“To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.”