Philip Brown

Sting Like a Bee Philip Brown

Nobody had a life quite like Muhammad Ali. He won an Olympic Gold Medal at 18, the world heavyweight championship at 22. Outside the ring he was charismatic, hugely talented and a gifted self publicist. He put his career and whole future at risk when he refused the draft for the Vietnam War and took the Muslim faith. When he got his boxing license back he won the title again and his fights became world events. The Rumble in the Jungle and The Thrilla in Manila were watched by billions. Li's fast hands and faster tongue set him apart - he gave boxing a new lease of life. He fought for respect and equal opportunity for African Americans and campaigned globally for humanitarian causes. In retirement he used his fame to help oppressed people everywhere, even after he was cruelly hit by illness. His life made us richer.