Muhammad Ali, an American professional boxer and social activist, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome before his tragic passing at the age of 74 from septic shock.
His Parkinson’s syndrome sometimes resulted from head trauma from violent physical activities such as boxing. He had absorbed an estimated 200,000 hits by the end of his boxing career.
Muhammad Ali was more than just a boxing legend. He was widely known as “the Greatest” and transcended sports, becoming a symbol of resistance, racial pride, and humanitarianism.
His boxing career was nothing short of extraordinary. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and turned professional, captivating the world with his speed, agility, and unshakable confidence.
In 1964, he shocked the world by defeating Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion at just the age of 22. Soon after, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali, declaring his original name a “slave name.”
His fights became legendary, and his unorthodox movement, fancy footwork, head movement, and rope-a-dope technique made him a boxing genius.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali’s Battle with Parkinson’s Disease
Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, faced a different kind of fight outside the ring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome in 1984.
The condition, often linked to repeated head trauma from boxing, gradually affected his health, but it did not diminish his spirit or his dedication to helping others.
Despite his health struggles, Ali remained active in public life.
In 2001, he promoted the biopic Ali and appeared in the America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit concert. His resilience continued to inspire millions around the world.
Moreover, he became a prominent advocate for Parkinson’s research, joining forces with actor Michael J. Fox, who was also diagnosed with the disease.
Together, they worked to raise awareness and push for funding.
In 1998, Ali began collaborating with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and in 2002, they testified before Congress to advocate for more research into a cure.
Unfortunately, his condition worsened in his final years, and rumors spread that he was near death in February 2013.
My brother can’t speak, he doesn’t recognise me. He’s in a bad way. He’s very sick. It could be months, it could be days. I don’t know if he’ll last the summer.
Rahaman Ali
However, Ali’s daughter, May May Ali, clarified that he was still communicating.
He’s fine, in fact he was talking well this morning. These rumors pop up every once in a while but there’s nothing to them.
May May Ali
Furthermore, Ali faced multiple hospitalizations, including for pneumonia in 2014 and a urinary tract infection in 2015. He continued to fight his health issues until his passing on June 3, 2016.
Nonetheless, Muhammad Ali’s legacy extends beyond boxing.
Muhammad Ali’s Funeral Had Been Pre-Planned
Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74 after suffering from septic shock. His death sent shockwaves across the world, with tributes pouring in from fans, athletes, and world leaders.
Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook were flooded with posts honoring his legacy, while major networks dedicated hours of coverage to celebrate his life.
Yet, despite the suddenness of his final illness, Ali’s funeral was not an impromptu event.
It had been carefully pre-planned by Ali himself and his family years before his passing.
True to his charismatic and meticulous nature, “The Greatest” ensured his farewell would be a reflection of his life, which was deeply personal.
The funeral events began on June 9, 2016, with an Islamic Janazah prayer service at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, the city where Ali was born and raised.
The ceremony drew dignitaries from around the world, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, highlighting Ali’s global influence.
The following day, a funeral procession traveled through the streets of Louisville, allowing fans to pay their final respects as Ali’s casket made its way to Cave Hill Cemetery for a private burial.
Later that afternoon, a massive public memorial was held at the KFC Yum! Center, where family, friends, and admirers gathered to celebrate his life.
Furthermore, Ali’s pallbearers included Hollywood star Will Smith, Lennox Lewis, and Mike Tyson.
Honorary pallbearers included boxing legends George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and George Chuvalo, men who had once been his rivals in the ring but had become lifelong friends.
An estimated 1 billion viewers worldwide tuned in to watch the funeral proceedings.
If the measure of greatness is to gladden the heart of every human being on the face of the earth, then he truly was the greatest. In every way he was the bravest, the kindest and the most excellent of men.
Bob Dylan
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., the eldest of two sons of Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa O’Grady Clay, was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky.
- He was dyslexic growing up and struggled with reading and writing while attending Central High School.
- He was married four times and had two sons and seven daughters.
- His net worth was estimated to be between $50 million and $80 million following his tragic demise in 2016.
