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MUHAMMAD ALI RECEIVING THE LEGACY AWARD FOR CHANGING WORLD FOR THE BETTER
AT THE ALI CENTER IN LOUISVILLE
President Jimmy Carter greets Muhammad Ali in 1977 (Source: Wikipedia - Muhammad Ali in 1966)
portrait of Muhammad Ali in 1967
(Source: Wikipedia-World Journal Tribune photo by Ira Rosen)
(Source: Wikipedia-World Journal Tribune photo by Ira Rosen)
Muhammad Ali received the sports illustrated 'Legacy' Award on Thurday at the Ali Center in Louisville. The Legacy Award was created in 2008 to honor athletes that have risen to the occasion and used their stature and leadership to change the world for the better.
73 year-old Muhammad Ali was supported by fellow boxing legends George Foreman and Larry Holmes, on the 40th anniversary of Ali's fight with Joe Frazier (epic battle 'Thrilla in Manilla') in the Philippines. He earned his second victory over Joe Frazier when the former champion didn't come out for the final round, and this fight is considered one of the greatest events in boxing and sports.
73 year-old Muhammad Ali was supported by fellow boxing legends George Foreman and Larry Holmes, on the 40th anniversary of Ali's fight with Joe Frazier (epic battle 'Thrilla in Manilla') in the Philippines. He earned his second victory over Joe Frazier when the former champion didn't come out for the final round, and this fight is considered one of the greatest events in boxing and sports.
The three-time world heavyweight champion received a standing ovation in appreciation of what he achieved as the greatest fighter of all time.
Muhammad Ali's victories were highlighted on a backdrop of dozens Sports illustrated magazine covers at different points of his long-term career as a fighter and humanitarian. The last issue features a cover of Muhammad Ali as a young fighter. Other moments were featured in a video montage.
Muhammad Ali's victories were highlighted on a backdrop of dozens Sports illustrated magazine covers at different points of his long-term career as a fighter and humanitarian. The last issue features a cover of Muhammad Ali as a young fighter. Other moments were featured in a video montage.
George Foreman, despite losing against Muhammad Ali in the famous fight in 1974 in Zaire, he said 'This is the greatest man I've ever met in my life. I get excited and my heart beats (fast) every time I meet him.'
Larry Holmes, Ali's former sparring partner who beat him in 1980 said 'I hope we can do this next year and the year after that' and he added 'Ali got a heart. He will give you the shirt off his back.'
Shaquille O'Neal, a long-time friend, said 'Sometimes I say I'm still dreaming. Being a kid, I never thought I'd be sitting next to the champ, watching him receive an award. That wasn't in my dream playbook.'
Larry Holmes, Ali's former sparring partner who beat him in 1980 said 'I hope we can do this next year and the year after that' and he added 'Ali got a heart. He will give you the shirt off his back.'
Shaquille O'Neal, a long-time friend, said 'Sometimes I say I'm still dreaming. Being a kid, I never thought I'd be sitting next to the champ, watching him receive an award. That wasn't in my dream playbook.'
Ruby Bird Yasmina Beddou Muhammad Ali Legacy Award Changing World The Ali Center Louisville George Foreman Larry Holmes Joe Frazier Standing Ovation Shaquille O Neal
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