Yesterday, on June 3rd 2016, iconic boxer Muhammad Ali passed away following a long battle with Parkinsons diseases – the star, known for his poetry, strong religious beliefs and many boxing titles leaving the World in shock at the news of his death, and paying tribute online.
Since becoming one of the World’s most famous faces during the mid-’60s, having first picked up a pair of boxing gloves at age 12, the athlete went on to carve a legacy that includes the rhyming taunts he aimed towards his opponents, anti-war and anti-racism statements he aimed at World leaders and the US government, and many boxing titles he achieved during his time in the ring.
While people will remember Muhammad Ali as the outspoken star who refused to enter draft for the Vietnam War, who publicly converted to Islam and retired in 1981 with a boxing career record of 56 wins (37 of those by knockout) and just five losses, here are the words the stars are honouring him with, following the news of his passing…
Rihanna posted this shot to her Instagram page, captioned with emoji’s and “RIP Ali”;
Pharrell Williams posted to Instagram;
“Our families would get together, just sit around and watch you fight. You fought for so much. Thank you Champ.”
Singer Tonye Garrick also wished Mr Ali “RIP”, posting;
Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize posted these pictures, simply captioned “Rip” and “Rest well”;
Solange Knowles wrote of the icon;
“We don’t have to be afraid because you said it, lived it, and became it.We don’t have to be lost because you taught us to make our own path and carve out our own roads. We don’t have to read the rule book, because you taught us to make our own.Yet, I will study harder. #MuhammadAli 1974 in Kinshasa”
Model Jeneil Williams posted;
“Belief is Power”
Designer Weizdhurm Franklyn wrote “RIP Ali. #Salute“, posting this pic;
Singer Mariah Carey shared this pic of herself onstage with the boxer, captioning;
“R.I.P. to the “greatest of all time” A true legend always….”float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” Thank you for being an inspiration to the world. #MuhammadAli“
P.Diddy shared this snap of the pair together with Diddy’s son, writing;
“Thank you for always showing me and my family love. He was so kind to everyone he met! I want my son @princejdcto always cherish this moment. #RIPALI we miss you. We love you. You have changed the world. And taught us all something REST IN PEACE GREAT ONE”
Diddy also shared this shot of his chest, explaining;
“Every tattoo on my body mean something to me. This one especially. I told him I wanted his signature. I told him I wanted it to be tattooed on me is in the mind of greatness. So he sent it to me . It is the tattoo on my chest. #RIPALI“
Top Nigerian designer Duro Olowu wrote;
“Muhammad Ali (1942-2016). #muhammadali#sportsman#boxer#activist#icon#thegreatest“
Toke Makinwa posted to her Instagram;
“Only a man who knows what it’s like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win”#BeyondtheRing. He said he was the greatest, he went on to become just that. RIP Mohammed Ali”
Meanwhile, Nigerian stylist to the stars, Ugo Mozie shared;
“Cassius Clay is a name that white people gave to my slave master. Now that I am free, that I don’t belong anymore to anyone, that I’m not a slave anymore, I gave back their white name, and I chose a beautiful African one.”
Zendaya simply shared this picture, captioned “The Greatest of All Time.”
Genevieve also paid tribute to Muhammed Ali, writing;
“He fought his greatest battle yet and he won. Now he rests. #RIPMuhammadAli#GOAT”
Team SPICE pay our respects to the Cassius Clay and his legacy, and will look forward to your thoughts and memories on the legend that is Muhammad Ali – share them with us @SPICETVAFRICA.
Video & image source: @Saintrecords, @Iamdiddy, @Zendaya, @Weizdhurmfranklyn, @Genevievennaji, @Mariahcarey, @Badgalriri, @Jeneilwilliams, @Durooluwo, @Whoistonye, @Kennethize, @Ugomozie, @Tokemakinwa
