JAYFORCE

As much as we want it not to be true, reporting from CBS Sports, BBC and myriad news media confirms that the man known worldwide as The Greatest, Muhammad Ali, has passed. He was 74 years old.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Ali stepped into the world’s spotlight by winning a gold medal as a light-heavyweight at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He would go on to defeat Sonny Liston in 1964 to claim his first world title and became the first boxer to capture a world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions. Retiring in 1981, Ali won 56 of his 61 fights as an active professional. However, his accolades do not stop there. Sports Illustrated recognized Ali as “Sportsman of the Century,” and the BBC named him “Sports Personality of the Century.”

Though later more understated as an elder statesman of sport, remembering Ali’s boldness and bigger-than-life presence over the years is what is likely driving the water from your tear ducts now. Even now you hear his braggadocio echo…

I float like a butterfly; sting like a bee.
I am The Greatest!
I shook up the WORLD!
I’m a bad man!

But he was also a champion for Civil Rights and Human Rights the world over. An outspoken member of the Nation Of Islam, a conscious objector to the war in Vietnam (convicted for his stance), a goodwill ambassador (notably meeting Fidel Castro when U.S. – Cuba relations were still very cold) and so much more. Too much more to do justice to his legacy in this Memoriam, but please, if you will, say one more time as he would, “The Champ is here!”

Then, in spirit, join with mourners around the world dealing with the reality that The Champ is with us no more. Hit the jump for some remembrances, quotes and video footage.

Rest Well, Champ.

– @ojones1

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