I’ll never forget the day we took this picture.  I had to spend an entire day with Ali for some story. The average person would be excited; not me. In fact, I was a bit bummed. (crazy, I know.) You have to understand I was a HUGE George Foreman fan. So I thought I was somehow betraying George (ha!) Well – the more time I spent with the Ali – the more I fell for him and by the end of the day – I was in love (as you can see from the size of my smile.)  

 Muhammad Ali is 70 years old today. And the champ still has a mind that can ‘”loat like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” Although suffering from Parkinson’s disease, he still talks about getting back in the gym. But the brutal blows in the ring have left Ali physically fragile. But he’s still remarkable, he was able to help negotiate the recent release from Iran of three American hikers, who stumbled into trouble, and Iranian prison, on a day of recreation.

There was a huge birthday party for Ali over the weekend at the Muhammad Ali Center, in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Hundreds cheered the sight of the champ, who raised his hand in greeting, as he stood on a balcony.  There will be more parties – including one at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, next month.

I have to laugh when I think of how much he bragged about his pretty face – it was and still is beautiful. Every time I see him I now, I give him a big smile. But it’s much more that makes him a legend – he’s known for his love of people, generosity and kindness outside the ring, and killer instincts inside the ropes.

He’s fought the good fight, finished a brilliant career, and kept his faith in God and fellow humans.  Today – the world celebrates a birthday for a champ, The Champ, in every sense of the word.