My tribute to Muhammad Ali

I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was. (M.A.)

I was saddened by the passing of our great sports legend. But even before I knew of his death, I felt compelled to express my admiration for the health-deteriorating athlete in a painting dedicated to his charismatic personality.

K.O.

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Incidentally, my affinity for Ali stirs a personal note. He and my father met in the Olympic Village of the 1960 Games in Rome where both took medals in their disciplines. And not unlike my father, whom I considered “The Greatest”, Ali passed on after prolonged bouts with debilitating illness.

In my painting, based on an iconic photo capture of Ali’s triumphant pose over k.o’d Sonny Liston, I wasn’t trying to be imaginative, but rather reinterpreted the familiar image to emphasize its timeless message.

I hope my humble tribute to “The Greatest” contributes not only as a remainder of his phenomenal boxing skills, but also of his dynamic personality which inspire greatness in all.

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

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