A Very Touching Tribute To Muhammad Ali by Billy Crystal
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Published 2016-06-10
Muhammad Ali and his innermost circle started a document years ago that grew so thick they began calling it "The Book."
In the pages, the boxing great planned in exacting detail how he wished to say goodbye to the world.
"The message that we'll be sending out is not our message — this was really designed by The Champ himself," said Timothy Gianotti, an Islamic studies scholar who for years helped to plan the services.
"The love and the reverence and the inclusivity that we're going to experience over the coming days is really a reflection of his message to the people of planet Earth."
The 74-year-old three-time heavyweight champion wanted the memorial service in an arena. He wanted multiple religions to have a voice while honoring the traditions of his Muslim faith. And he wanted ordinary fans to attend, not just VIPs.
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All Comments (21)
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I'm an 64 yes old exmarine white boy from Iowa and as far as I'm concerned Ali was the best man and decent human anybody could know. Rest in peace sir and thank you for what you stood for and believed in
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"You're my little brother..." Brought tears in my eyes...
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Kids today will never know how important Billy Crystal really is
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I'm a Vietnam veteran, 70 years old, and proud to have lived in the lifetime of Ali. He was an inspiration to all people of all races and religions. I'm not embarrassed to say I cried after the Trevor Berbeck fight which Ali should never have taken. Not unlike the tears I'm shedding now watching this video. To a wonderful human being the world misses everyday.
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Life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls...
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The tears in my eyes from the remarks of Billy Crystal. I wish the world was the way in which he spoke. No wars, no hate, just love peace, and happiness!!😢
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Damn. I was incarcerated when this funeral took place. This was my father's favorite sports icon. His favorite comedian. Billy Crystal is a one in a million. What a fantastic honoring of his friend Ali. Damn. I laughed. I cried. That was an AMAZING send off for an AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, LEGENDARY man. Billy, what a wonderful job. RIP Ali.
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One of the best eulogies and speeches I have ever witnessed. No cards or teleprompter. Goosebumps!!!
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Don't cry because it ended, be joyful it happened... RIP Muhammad Ali 🙏🏼
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32 years living with parkinson without losing his smile ..this man solid as mountain
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George Foreman said it best: "Ali was beautiful. When he smiled, talked, it was a beautiful thing to see. He was a poem."
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He is a living legend, A loving father an amiable person and most of all a Muslim brotherhood may Allah Grant him jannatul firdaus.
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Muhammad Ali (a Muslim) and Billy Crystal (a Jew) show the way that human beings should go and I admire both of them ❤️ just love each other. My own family , my dad (his mom was white she was Irish and Catholic ; his dad was Hispanic from the Dominican Republic ,of mixed ethnicity and Catholic) my mom was of African American and Indigenous heritage and a Protestant. My parents were married for 37 years until my dad passed away. Just love , 💕
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Man Billy Crystal should do a master class in public speaking. I could listen to him describe events for hours.
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The genes are strong in that family, Ali's grandson sitting next to his wife is a spitting image of him...wow!! RIP Champ 👊
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Beautifully said Billy Crystal ‼️💯💫. R.IP. Muhammad Ali 🙏❤️
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Billy Crystal was outstanding 😎
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"Life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls." Thank you, Billy Crystal, for this wonderful tribute to my birthday bud.
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Wow!!!!that was awesome a hell of a tribute. Ali will never be forgotten. He is the greatest of all time. Rest in peace brother rest in peace.❤💯
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A remarkable tribute from Mr. Crystal to a legendary man. Who can forget the sight of Ali lighting the torch at the 1996 Olympics. I think the entire world was moved to tears of respect. Thanks for this, Billy!
