Even years after his passing, Muhammad Ali remains an enigma ingrained in the minds of millions. He was one of the greatest boxers to ever step inside the ring, from dethroning Sonny Liston to fighting the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier, his record remains unmatched. However, that was not all to ‘the Greatest’, his achievements outside the ring made people respect him so much. Back in 1985, Ali went to Lebanon to try to free 40 American hostages, though it failed to achieve the desired result.
He even went to Iraq in 1990 after the then-dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and took thousands of foreigners hostage. They had 15 American citizens placed in buildings the U.S. was likely to bomb. When the boxing legend visited the country, he was swarmed by the fans. He never turned anyone down. While waiting for Hussein’s response, he visited schools and mosques. Moreover, he even ran out of his Parkinson’s medication, causing rapid deterioration in his condition.
However, he still held on and finally, the dictator agreed to meet him. When the two met, Ali assured Hussein that he would provide an honest account of Iraq to the U.S. Saddam stated, “I’m not going to let Muhammad Ali return to the US, without having a number of American citizens accompanying him.” And so, the former champion returned to the country with all the hostages intact.
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Muhammad Ali charms Saddam Hussein with his aura
As the video from their meeting surfaced, fans couldn’t help but be in awe of Ali’s larger-than-life persona. Even one female undisputed champion expressed her respect for the late boxer. She wrote, “What a champion”.
🥹🥹🥹 what a champion https://t.co/nNxuR9EVyp
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) September 22, 2023
Another fan simply wrote, “The Greatest!” as a sign of his reverence for the legendary fighter.
The Greatest!
— Andrew Davids (@IbizugbeAndre) September 22, 2023
Meanwhile, someone else hailed him as a “super hero” rather than a “boxer.”
Muhammad Ali was a super hero not a boxer
— knuckle sanwich FOREVER (@maxmad1243) September 22, 2023
However, one fan disagreed and stated that Ali was “Not the greatest boxer ever”. They hailed him as “one of the most important figures in US history ever.” He also praised Ali’s fearlessness calling him “The most important athlete ever.”
Not the greatest boxer ever but hands down one of the most important figures in US history ever. The most important athlete ever. He was an amazing fearless gentleman
— Felipe (@Felipe79944718) September 22, 2023
Someone else disagreed with the statement made in the post and claimed that Ali “Knew full well there would be no repercussions”.
Not sure he “Risked everything” He knew full well there would be no repercussions
— David Zero (@SiouxsieShoo) September 22, 2023
Moreover, one fan shared his fascination with Ali’s immense influence stating, “Ali had the World in the palm of his hand.”
Like only he could..
Ali had the World in the palm of his hand – a very special privilege afforded to the very few..— Pete McCormack (@KandPMC) September 22, 2023
Another fan added that Ali was not only a boxer but also “the greatest human being ever to walk the planet.”
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The Greatest, not only boxer, the greatest human being ever to walk the planet, he transcended sport
— JayMac (@JasonMc17524182) September 22, 2023
Read More: VIDEO: Relive The Glory by Looking at the Great Muhammad Ali’s Iconic Last Knockout Victory in 1976
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Overall, the video reminded fans of how great the legendary boxer was and his immense influence that still continues to this day. His selfless act despite criticism inspires others to follow in his footsteps. What do you think about this historic video? Do share your thoughts about the post in the comments.
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