Boxing World Feels ‘Sorry’ as ‘Haunting Last Portrait of Muhammad Ali’ Surfaces

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali will forever remain the face of boxing. Rightfully nicknamed ‘The Greatest’ he is still widely regarded as one of the most influential names in sports. Ali’s later years, however, were plagued by multiple health issues, including Parkinsons. A recent Instagram post gave fans a glimpse of the last portrait that was taken of the legendary pugilist.

Ali started his professional career in the year 1960 and then went on to rule the boxing ring for the next 21 years. His last fight was in 1981 when he faced Trevor Berbick at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center in Nassau. However, he ended up losing the bout by decision.

The champ was first diagnosed with Parkinsons when he was still fighting professionally. As the years passed, the symptoms became more prominent. And Ali was seen suffering from slurred speech and motor issues.

It was also widely speculated that years of boxing had a major role to play in Ali getting Parkinson’s.

An Instagram paged named ‘hardtokill’ recently shared the last portraits that were taken of the champ. The pictures were haunting, to say the least. The legend who once personified the phrase, ‘Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee’, looked like a mere shadow of his former self.

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However, there is no denying that the fire in Ali’s eyes was still burning brightly.

Fans share their thoughts on Muhammad Ali’s portrait

Boxing fans were upset to see the once powerful legend looking frail. And a lot of fans even shared their thoughts about on Muhammad Ali’s portrait.

A lot of fans were distraught after seeing the pictures. User xxchanellenahcxx said, “Now I’m sadder than before : ( RIP Legend.”

Another user named rxibz said, “These pictures are sad man, just as sad as his last fight.”

Meanwhile, user mndvisuals opened up about the constant movement of time. The user said, “Time waits for no one. RIP to one of the greatest.”

Similarly, user slampanel said, “I always feel so upset and sorry seeing him in this state. It’s so unfortunate that such an intelligent, well-spoken man basically lost all his ability to Parkinson’s.”

Moreover, the user also mentioned that Ali never wished for people’s sympathy.

A lot of fans also stated that Ali will remain the GOAT, irrespective of what happened.  User safakyl commented, “The Greatest.”

And lucasbrennanmma mentioned, “The goat. Incredibly, hard to kill.”

Similarly, user justinjung_2 said, “Absolute GOAT, nothing but respect.”

While the picture is a sad reminder of the later years of the legendary boxer. Ali will forever remain one of the most iconic names in the sport.

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What are your thoughts on the picture? Let us know in the comments below.