The Greatest of All Time

A legend lays to rest. He was not made but certainly born out of the ramshackle hinterland of Louisville, Kentucky. We live a short life here on this planet. In that period of existence, some people are able to reach their full potential, while majority don’t. This man was one of the few that believed impossible is achievable right at a young age.

Muhammad Ali was the greatest heavyweight boxing champion on earth.

In his words, Ali declared himself the greatest even before proving to the world he really was. Perhaps the most important lesson learned from his life is to be steadfast in your belief. Ali stood tall and strong in and out of the ring. He spoke his mind with righteous indignation and confidence. Fearing no consequence, he rebuked truth to power. In an atmosphere of controversy, he lent his voice against social injustice and war. A very unpopular stand for a man of his racial background during that time. It cost him.

At the twilight of his boxing career, as his youthful exuberance waned, the rest of the marginalized world anticipated his emergence as a fully dedicated change agent to champion their fight. Ali lost his voice. Similar to other justice warriors of his time, his parade met a shit storm. He would live the rest of his life handicapped by Parkinson's Disease. The once energetic, exciting and ebullient man became sluggish, quivery and voiceless.

He lived, nevertheless, to fight another day. Ali remained undefeated in the face of his illness. He pressed on, eventually earning him the Presidential medal of Freedom in 2005. The highest civilian honor.

The world has lost an icon, the peoples’ champ, the last of an extinct breed. We will never know what he could have achieved in the absence of his debilitating disease. All the same, he leaves an indelible mark and history will remember him kindly.