Growing up, you never imagined Ali being less than great. He was a man who built his legacy on betting on himself and no matter the circumstances, he only answered to himself and his greatness. Ali has been a fighter all his life, in and outside the ring. The champ has been battling Parkinson’s disease since 1984 and while it has bee tough on his body, he has remained committed to the issues he cares about and being as active as possible.
Ali’s longtime friend and former business partner, Gene Kilroy, has spoken on the the health of Ali and says the champs health is sadly deteriorating.
Muhammad Ali is “a prisoner in his own body,” according to the boxing legend’s former manager.
“It’s hard seeing him as he is today,” said Gene Kilroy, who became a business partner and close friend of the superstar.
“He can just about walk and his speech is slurred. It takes huge effort for him to make the simplest communication now, but when he does, every word is worthwhile.
“But even now he has no fear. He says, ‘I’ll stay here as long as God wants me to. When my time comes I’ll have no regrets. I have achieved a lot.’”
Ali is a hero to so many people. Hearing him slowly deteriorating is not something fans want to hear, but to know that he’s still fearless fighting, as only as Ali can, gives you a warm feeling. Champions go down fighting and it looks like Ali won’t let Parkinson’s disease claim his happiness or let it define his ending.
Here’s to wishing the champ health and happiness.
H/T: NY Daily News