THE outpouring of grief over the death of Muhammad Ali, the greatest heavyweight champion of all-time and one who is considered perhaps the greatest boxer of all-time continues as the world begins to grapple with the reality that this giant of a man is no longer with us.
Ali called actor/comedian Billy Crystal his “little brother” and we who were privileged to serve as his liaison officer during the glorious “Thrilla in Manila” can take pride in the fact that Ali referred to us as “brother” which was an implicit recognition of our closeness and respect for each other.
I recall that one afternoon while getting a massage in his room after a strenuous workout at the Folk Arts Theater in preparation for the Oct.1, 1975 showdown against Joe Frazier, one of the most renowned American boxing writers and columnists, bothered by Ali’s closeness to us and that we were in fact getting all the scoops which they merely had to pick up from the daily publication by the Department of Public Information, expressed his feelings about being effectively left out on the fringes.
Ali responded as only he could. He told the columnist and the others gathered around him: “He is my brother. I can go to his home, embrace his daughter and have dinner with his family. But I can’t do that in your home.”
It was a telling message that struck deep down in the hearts of the majority of the western media, many of whom gave us the impression they wanted him to fall.
But Ali was bigger than any failure in the ring that could diminish his glowing stature and his legendary ways. He was then—and will remain in our memories forever, as not just an incredible champion but a charismatic, beautiful human being.
Every time we watched a replay of the emotional tributes paid to Ali at his memorial service by a variety of distinguished human beings, he seems to grow in stature even as they struggle continuously to hold back the tears as they speak and as we remember.
We spent 10 days with Ali and trainer Angelo Dundee in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia until before and one day after his successful title defense against British heavyweight Joe Bugner.
We were directed to then fly to Honolulu to accompany Ali to Manila several weeks before the Frazier title fight which was a highlight of their memorable trio of contests.
We had an opportunity to live in the Hilton Hotel, which was the name it carried at that time and had an unbelievable chance to get to know Ali so much better and study him up close and personal.
The experience was enthralling and enlightening.
During the hours we spent with Ali, we learned first hand about his kindness, his caring for the poor and disadvantaged and his resolute Islamic faith which lifted his spirits and touched those around him even if their faith was different.
To Ali, we all were loved and cared for by one God, no matter if you were a Muslim, Catholic, Protestant or Jew.
He used to emphasize in touching reality that in the end we all worshiped one God, no matter by what name we individually called Him.
That was the measure of the man and that enhanced his greatness of spirit and the solidarity of his faith.
We will remember Muhammad Ali, a friend and a brother of epic proportions not just forever but forever and a day.
Peace be with you my beloved brother.