Muhammad Ali is Dying
Muhammad Ali won gold at the 1960 Olympics and went on to become a three-times world heavyweight champion. Photograph: Sony Pics/Everett/Rex Features
He told the Sun: "My brother can't speak, he doesn't recognise me. He's in a bad way. He's very sick. It could be months, it could be days. I don't know if he'll last the summer. He's in God's hands. We hope he gently passes away.
"He told me before he got really bad that he's in no pain. He grabbed my arm and whispered 'Rah, I've achieved everything I've ever wanted to accomplish. Don't cry for me, I'm in no pain.' It's best he goes now. The longer he goes on, so does his suffering and misery."
Ali won gold at the 1960 Olympics and after turning professional went on to become a three-times world heavyweight champion.
The 71-year-old had several famous fights during his career, including 1974's 'Rumble in the Jungle' with George Foreman and the 'Thrilla in Manila' against Joe Frazier the following year.
Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984 but remained active for many years. He memorably lit the Olympic flame in Atlanta in 1996.
As a kid of 8 yrs old I knew about our fighter CClay. I remember I and my student friends telling each other our opinions about his fights and now about this hero who wont go and fight in the jungle. We were disappointed. How can our hero refuse to fight?
It took many years before I was able to comprehend his reasons. He was right as far as he was concern. I felt sorry that even though one by one our older guys in the church got sent to viet-nam I was safe from it at the beginning because of age and latter on because my religion. I was told by my pastor what I needed to do. I was obedient. To this day, I am sorry that I took the road Muhammad took, but he did it out of sincerity and honesty I did because I was told. Now who was right?
adamfoxie*Manyofrealstories
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