Happy Birthday to The Greatest, Muhammad Ali!
The legendary boxing champ spent Saturday night with friends, family, musicians, politicians, coaches and journalists as they celebrated his 70th birthday at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Center.
With his wife by his side and overlooking admirers, Ali stood on the second floor as nearly 350 guests began chanting his name before singing Happy Birthday. Later, everyone filed in for a special dinner to help raise money for the center. Plates ran attendees $1,000 with the goal of collecting $250,000.
From fellow boxing champ Lennox Lewis to NBC Today show anchor Ann Curry, many of Ali’s fans celebrated the living legacy of a man who changed the face of a sport and who bravely challenged our changing society.
“I feel so proud and honored that we’re able to show our feelings and show our support for him,” Lewis said. “What he’s done outside the ring, just the bravery, the poise, the feeling, the sacrifice; he’s truly a great man.”