Muhammad Ali, Who Was Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease, Was Unable to Fulfil His ‘Number One Wish’ of Meeting Queen Elizabeth II on His Last Ever Visit to the UK

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., popularly known as Muhammad Ali, is arguably the greatest boxer that ever walked this planet. The boxing scene in the mid-1900s was single-handedly ruled by ‘The Greatest’. The legend died in 2016, but before leaving this world, he had a wish to meet the Queen of the United Kingdom. 

The former heavyweight champion was suffering from Parkinson’s disease since 1984. During his last days in 2016, Ali had a wish to meet the Queen of the UK. A source revealed, “He wants to meet the Queen. He knows it will be the last time he comes to the UK and his number one wish is to meet Her Majesty.”

The boxer’s good friend Davis Miller revealed that he spoke with Ali’s wife Lonnie, and they were planning to bring Ali over to the UK in the summer. He further added, “It was deemed too soon to bring him over for the start of the London exhibition this week, but Ali definitely wants to visit while it is still on. He has made no secret of the fact that he treats the UK almost like a second home.”

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Furthermore, doctors had given Ali a strict fitness plan to build up strength for the flight. Going over to the UK meant going through 2-3 different time-zones. This could have worsened Ali’s fragile medical condition even more. 

Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champion 

‘The People’s Champion’ was not only a phenomenal boxer, but he was also a man of his principles. The boxer believed that every citizen of the United States should get equal rights, and he stood up for the right of black people. Interestingly, he even participated in a 3,000-mile-long march to fight for the treaty rights of the Native Indian people. 

Furthermore, the former heavyweight was asked to join the military to serve during the Vietnam war. However, Ali refused to join the army because he believed that he will not fight for a country whose own citizens were not treated equally. 

Meanwhile, what do you think about Ali’s wish to meet the Queen of the UK in his last days? Share it in the comments below. 

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