Borderland remembers Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was regarded as one of the most significant heavyweight champions of the world.

Many say he was not only a contender in the ring but was also known for his stance against the Vietnam War and humanitarian efforts all while suffering from Parkinson’s disease late in his life.

Known for his boastful bravado, the boxing legend has made a lasting impact on die-hard boxing fans as well as the common man.

“Still the greatest of all time,” Muhammad Ali sang in a old ABC news interview.

Cassius Marcellus Clay was born in 1942. He first stepped in the ring when he was 12 years old, and became regarded by many as the greatest boxer of all time.

“I’m handsome, I’m fast, I’m pretty and possibly can,t be beat,” said Ali in an archived interview.

In his career, he earned 56 wins to 5 losses and added a Olympic gold medal.

At 22, he won the world heavyweight championship in 1964 but was later stripped of the belt when Ali refused to be drafted into the U.S. military, saying he opposed America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. He later regained the title and retired in 1981.

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984.

In 1991 Ali traveled to Iraq during the Gulf War where he met with Saddam Hussein in an attempt to negotiate the release of American hostages.

In 2000, Ali made his way to the borderland. At the time, already diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he walked hand-in-hand with Sister Susie Valadez of the Christ for Mexico Mission to help feed the hungry in Cuidad Juarez.

Ali didn’t speak much during the visit but his presence helped bring awareness to a problem Valedez was having: getting food across the border.

In that same trip, Ali visited the Kiki Romero Gym.

“He was the number one boxer in the world, there hasn’t been another one like him since,” said boxing coach Mel Martinez, who was there at the time.

As Ali met with the kids, Martinez says the champ told him to “Give it his all as he coached his kids.”

In El Paso Saturday evening, at the Rafael Garcia Boxing Museum, a boxing fan marveled at the Ali memorabilia.

“He was the best, he beat the best,” Guerillmo Williams said, adding Ali’s presence was timeless.

“There is nobody that can compare to Muhammad Ali. His foot movement, his power, his stamina, everything that he had will never be seen again,” Williams said.