Boxer Muhammad Ali's beliefs were beyond materialism, says PM Imran

20th century icon made enormous sacrifices for standing up for his beliefs, tweets premier

Prime Minister Imran Khan has heaped praise on heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali, saying "he was the greatest sportsman because his beliefs went beyond material considerations".

"I believe he was the greatest sportsman, not only because he was talented, intelligent & courageous, but because his beliefs went beyond material considerations to a conviction that humans, unlike animals, had a higher purpose of existence," the premier said in a tweet from his official handle on Sunday.

I believe he was the greatest sportsman, not only because he was talented, intelligent & courageous, but because his beliefs went beyond material considerations to a conviction that humans, unlike animals, had a higher purpose of existence.https://t.co/fP9uNreA3d

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 21, 2020

He also tagged a documentary titled "Muhammad Ali's biggest fight was not in the ring" which features his struggle against racism and discrimination along with his achievements in boxing ring.

"In standing up for his beliefs in the face of all odds, he sacrificed the best years of his sporting life & lucrative earnings. His strength & courage continue to inspire people across the world even today," PM Imran wrote in a follow-up tweet.

In standing up for his beliefs in the face of all odds, he sacrificed the best years of his sporting life & lucrative earnings. His strength & courage continue to inspire people across the world even today.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 21, 2020

A 20th century icon, whose fame transcended sport during a remarkable career that spanned three decades, died on June 3, 2016 after long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He took the name of Muhammad Ali after embracing Islam in 1964, soon after he had stunned the sport by claiming the title with a monumental upset of Liston.

He was vilified in some quarters for that conversion and his outspoken stance on Vietnam and civil rights issues. His refusal to fight in Vietnam saw him prosecuted for draft evasion, and led to him being effectively banned for boxing for three years of his prime.

But he held firm to his beliefs and eventually earned accolades as an activist.

He received the highest US civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2005.

With additional input from AFP