As the world mourns the passing of the great Muhammad Ali, reactions from friends and fans, celebrities and world leaders have continued to trend through social media. Among the millions of people whose conversations have centered around how their lives were touched by the boxing icon since his death was announced early Saturday [June 4], his peers and descendants in the sport, from George Forman to Mike Tyson spoke regards for the man who empowered the voice of the American athlete.
"The Greatest made the world a better place. His work is done. We are better for it," tweeted actor Carl Weathers. Weathers of course is one of many who were old enough to develop an impersonation of Ali, having grown up watching the three-time heavyweight champion cement his legacy. He would go on to be fortunate enough to depict his hero in a role inspired by the Louisville legend, with his performance as Apollo Creed in the classic "Rocky" saga. Scottie Pippen, Russell Wilson, Chris Kluwe, and Myles Turner were some of the other sportsmen to pay homage to their influencer.
With respects to his historic accomplishments in prize fighting, Ali was regarded by many to have bore greater importance outside of the ring. His public conversion from Christianity to Islam and relationship with Malcolm X solidified him as one of the most uncompromising defenders of Black pride, giving him perhaps as impactful a presence during the Civil Rights era of the 1960's as any. Public Enemy, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Russell Simmons and L.A. Reid and other pioneers who have carried the mantle of Black expression and socio-economic mobility have fittingly come forward to send their predecessor off. "No one will ever come close," Reid wrote.
Actors like Adam McKay and Johnny Knoxville, journalists Larry King and Larry Wilmore, and politicians with similar and opposing stances to the larger than life champ followed suit, including the likes of Mayor Greg Fischer and Donald Trump. "Muhammad Ali is dead at 74! A truly great champion and a wonderful guy. He will be missed by all!" said Trump.
Source: deadline.com
