champion was quoted by a news agency as saying: “In my name and the name of all Muslims in America, I declare support for the Palestinian struggle to liberate their homeland and oust the Zionist invaders.”

Ali even visited Israel, coming to "arrange for the freeing of the Muslim brothers imprisoned by Israel" in 1985, when some 700 Lebanese Shi'ites were detained in the Atlit camp, against the background of the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.

Ali wanted to discuss the release of "all 700 brothers" with the "very highest level in the country," but Israeli officials politely declined to enter the ring.

In 1980, during a visit to India to promote a boycott of the Olympic Games in Moscow after the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, Ali maintained that Zionists “control”boxing legend deciding to convert to Judaism and change his name to Izzy Yiskowitz became legendary on its own right. Fifteen years later, Ali had the pleasure of having Crystal perform at his 50th birthday party.

Sportscaster Howard Cosell, born Howard Cohen, was perhaps Ali's biggest defender. Unlike many others, Cosell immediately called Ali by his new, Islamic name after he changed it from Cassius Clay, and also stood up for his right to resist the draft. The Jewish journalist and the Muslim champion had a rapport that was evident in post-fight interviews, where they exchanged barbs and bantered, drawing in enchanted viewers.

Open gallery view Muhammad Ali has a "no comment" as he is confronted by newsmen as he leaves the Federal Building in Houston during a recess in