Another Star Has Fallen: Muhammad Ali January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016

It saddens me to blog about yet another Star's passing:
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was
one of the greatest boxers of all time. Everybody knew his name, his face, and his fame. 

Little known artist Johnny Wakelin even wrote a song about him "Black Superman"
 was number one in Australia and spent six months in the US Billboard Hot 100 in more than one chart run in 1975, eventually peaking at No. 21 in September of that year.

                           (I've actually got this record still!)

After his retirement, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease:

{Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination.}

The last thing Muhammad Ali wanted from anyone was pity and he even walked away from an interview once for just that reason.

I remember the fight with George Foreman dubbed "The Rumble in the Jungle" and was a historic boxing event in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) on October 30, 1974 (at 4:00 am). Held at the 20th of May Stadium (now the Stade Tata Raphaël), it pitted the undefeated world heavyweight champion George Foreman against challenger Muhammad Ali, a former heavyweight champion. Attendance was about 60,000. Ali won by knockout, putting Foreman down just before the end of the eighth round. It has been called "arguably the greatest sporting event of the 20th century".^[The event was one of Don King's first ventures as a professional boxing promoter. It was incredible, the beating he gave and got!

For some reason lately all I can think of when I think of Muhammad Ali is a Touched By An Angel Episode: "Fighting The Good Fight" in May 1999. He appeared in the popular TV show at the end to  teach an abused and neglected boy who learns to box so that he can beat up other children that boxing is not the answer to his problems.
Muhammad Ali said he would make a guest appearance on the popular TV show to tell children that "fighting is not the answer to frustration and hate."

It's a real "Tear Jerker" of an episode and I had to re-watch it after I learned of his death. Big mistake if you don't like to be emotional. Also a scene at the end with Della Reece (Tess) was great!

Yes Black Superman, we are all going to miss you. I'm sure you are finally resting in peace with the Angels, and give ol' Satan a K.O. punch for us, OK?