R.I.P. Champ......

[ddtrane]

The man born as Cassius Clay has taken his leave and will be sorely missed
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/muha ... 74-n584776

Muhammad Ali as we all grew to know and love him. Took a stance against the government and was stripped of his title during a time when blacks had no voice. Activism by athletes began with this man. So much to say but really not enough space to outline his achievements, a true champ, even while fighting Parkinson's disease. May you rest well.

[Diablo25]

He trained like 5 minutes from where I'm sitting. I literally just drove by his old camp last night. Since boxing has declined in recent years the younger generations will have no idea that he was probably the biggest athlete of the 20th century. RIP.

[Aristo]

Muhammad Ali was a bigger than life sports hero to me. He was one of the very early sports heroes of my father that he shared with me. I've watched his fights, read his biographies, and soaked up every interview I could find.

I knew this day was coming, but it still feels like I'm losing a significant part of my childhood.

RIP

[10spro]

A true champion, simply "The Greatest", a showman, an inspiring man. One of the reasons I followed boxing in those golden days. He was just dancing in that ring. I'll remember forever his bouts with Norton, Foreman and Frazier, especially the 'Thrilla in Manila'. Spinks, Bonavena whom being Argentinian and never been knocked down then, gathered great interest in me.

Loved his cockiness. RIP Cassius.

[pk500]

You cats probably all know I'm a boxing fanatic and study and revere the sport's past and present. So this is a tough day for me. Wonderful words from all of you, especially Aristo. My situation is the same as yours, dude.

I feel bad for people who are too young to remember seeing Ali in his prime. Take any global sports celebrity today and multiply their impact and reach by 10, and you won't match The Greatest.

Ali was social media before social media. He didn't need an app. The most influential American athlete, cultural sporting icon and lightning rod of the last 50 years, with ease.

The Thrilla in Manila remains the greatest sporting event I've ever seen, live or recorded. Astonishing courage and will shown by both men. The fight gives me goosebumps to this day every time I read something about it or watch it again. Hell, every time I even think about it.

I hope Ali and Frazier can find peace and friendship in heaven. It was always sad that Ali and Frazier -- friends before their incredible trilogy of fights -- never were friendly after Ali's incessant and often nasty trash talk of Frazier leading up to their bouts. Ali apologized after they retired; Frazier never accepted it, never could escape the pain.

RIP, The Greatest. Hope you're floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee up there. Rumble, young man, rumble.

[Diablo25]

I serioiusly might drive by the camp today to pay my respects. Absolutely loved Ali.

[XXXIV]

R.I.P. champ.

Very cool Diablo.

[pk500]

Deer Lake! My brother and his friend used to make the trek there from Syracuse during the summer to see Ali train.

Very cool idea, Bill.

[Diablo25]

Just got back from the camp. I'll put a few pics and the video up in a bit.

[Diablo25]

[Diablo25]

Sorry for the bouncy camera.

[XXXIV]

Too sweet. Nice. Well done.

[pk500]

Wow, Bill: That is SO cool. Thanks so much for thinking of me. I'm honored and grateful.

Take care.

[Diablo25]

Wow, Bill: That is SO cool. Thanks so much for thinking of me. I'm honored and grateful.

Take care.

Had to include out resident boxing expert/lover.

[10spro]

Cool video Diablo. Thanks for sharing.

[Diablo25]

Pretty damn emotional 10 count for Ali on HBO's Boxing After Dark. Wow. Chills.

[Diablo25]

My bouquet made the news.

http://wnep.com/2016/06/04/muhammad-ali ... ll-county/

[pk500]

Pretty damn emotional 10 count for Ali on HBO's Boxing After Dark. Wow. Chills.

Incredible. I wonder if Buffer ad-libbed that. So poignant.

And WHAT A MAIN EVENT between Salido and Vargas. One of the best fights I've seen in the last five years. A fitting tribute to The Greatest.

[Diablo25]

Tremendous article.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/b ... story.html