At an emotional memorial service at a Louisville sports arena, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal, Ali’s wife Lonnie and leaders of many of the world’s religious traditions delivered powerful tributes to the man who Clinton called a “universal soldier for our common humanity.”
Muhammed Ali, who called himself “The Greatest” — and many agreed — has died at age 74. An icon of the 20th Century, Ali’s boxing fame was amplified by his political activism, his commitment to Islam, his humanitarian work, and his charismatic persona.
In the new film, Rocky still ascends those steps. But he walks, he needs help. He has to take a breather. It is a soulful juxtaposition to his run up those same stairs when he was young, a moment of almost unbearable tenderness that reminds you just how long — and how short — is 39 years.