Muhammad Ali Cause of Death Ruled as Septic Shock, Funeral Services Planned; A Look at His Top Knockouts and Memorable Quotes
A public memorial service for boxing legend and renowned activist Muhammad Ali is scheduled for Friday, June 10, in his hometown of Louisville, Ky.
The man revered as "The Greatest" died at a Phoenix hospital late on the night of June 3, reportedly of septic shock stemming from natural causes. He was 74-years-old.
A family spokesperson announced details of all the arrangements, including the public service at the KFC! Yum Center beginning at 2 p.m.
Prior to that, a private ceremony will be held for family members on Thursday, followed by a Friday gathering for prayers at a Louisville funeral home. After that, a procession will take place down Muhammad Ali Blvd. and across 34th Street, en-route to Cave Hill Cemetery for a private burial.
At Friday's public service, the eulogy will be given by former President Bill Clinton, veteran news anchor Bryant Gumbel and actor Billy Crystal. Ali, who suffered from Parkinson Disease, had been hospitalized for several days before his condition took a drastic turn for the worse.
Since news of his death became public, tributes have poured in from all across the world, prompting many to reminisce about some of the champ's most colorful times.
Over the course of his unparalleled career, Ali almost came to be known as much for his larger-than-life personality as his wicked boxing skills. Here are some of his most memorable moments both arenas.
Most Memorable Bouts
1 Ali vs. Joe Frazier, Oct. 1, 1975- In what came to be known as the "Thrilla in Manila," Ali prevailed after handlers for a bloody and beaten Frazier through in the towel to start the 14th round.
2 Ali vs. George Foreman, Oct. 29, 1974- Ali turned to the "rope-a-dope" tactic he made famous to thoroughly frustrate and stymie the heavily favorite and much younger Foreman. By the eighth round, Ali had accomplished what many thought wasn't possible, dropping Foreman to the campus.
3 Ali vs. Frazier, March 8, 1971- "The Fight of the Century" matched all its hype, with Frazier prevailing and Ali suffering his first career loss as a pro. Ali started off fast, but by the middle of the bout his three-year absence, stemming from his suspension for refusing to be inducted into the armed forces, seemed to catch up to him.
But the champ would have his revenge, winning both of the other two bouts between the titans.
4 Ali vs. Ernie Terrell, Feb. 6, 1967- Things got personal in the champ's merciless beatdown of Terrell. Leading up to the bout, Terrell repeatedly refused to call Ali by his recently adopted name, instead dismissively referring to him as "Clay."
The champ took the slight as a sign of disrespect for him and of his Muslin religion, assuring reporters "I want to torture him." Throughout the bout, Ali made good on his claim, shouting "What's my name?" to a bloodied and battered Terrell before unleashing yet another barrage of targeted blows.
5 Cassius Clay vs. Sonny Liston, Feb. 24, 1964- Still known as Cassius Clay back then, a much faster and better conditioned Ali battered Liston into submission despite being a 7-1 underdog.
At just 22, the legend of Muhammad Ali was born.
Most Memorable Quotes
1 "Don't count the days; make the days count."
2 "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can't hit what his eyes can't see. Now you see me, now you don't. George thinks he will, but I know he won't."
3 "It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe."
4 "If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize."
5 "A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life."
6 "I shook up the world. Me! Whee!
7 Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right."
8 "Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong."
9 "I've wrestled with alligators. I've tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightening. And throw thunder in jail."
10 "Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."
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