You would be forgiven for thinking there is nothing to write about Muhammad Ali's life and times. The subject of many books and two feature films, as well as numerous TV documentaries, has been covered extensively.
David Hannigan, a historian and columnist for the Irish Times, has published nearly 300 pages that reveal what he did in the 15 years between the time he lost his last fight in 1981, and the moment he lit the Atlanta Olympic torch.
Muhammad Ali ended his legendary career in 1981
He recounts hundreds of stories about the man who was unanimously voted as the greatest sportsman of the 20th Century and has always travelled the globe.
took almost 200 flight in a twelve-month period.
Despite his Parkinson's disease, Ali managed to charm Heads of State, men, women, and children everywhere he went, regardless.
He gave lectures about his Muslim faith, and raised millions of dollars for charity.
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His magnetic personality was hypnotic and had an uplifting effect on all those he came in contact with. He stopped traffic and was literally surrounded by thousands of people every day.
More than 70,000 people attended a Jakarta Mosque to hear him speak when he flew to Indonesia.
In 1990, he traveled to Baghdad against President George Bush's wishes and was granted an audience at Saddam Hussein's house.
He charmed the detestable President of Iraq, and got him to release 15 Americans that he held hostage.
South Africa's President informed Ali that he had been Nelson Mandela's inspiration throughout the 27 years he spent on Robben Island.
Mandela kept a photo of Ali up until his death.
SUN BINGO GET PS50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYAli's fearless human rights campaign attracted millions of people who had never seen him fight.
A video of Ali talking to refugees at the Khyber Pass near Afghanistan border showed a tall Arab wearing white skull caps. He was identified as Osama Bin Laden.
Ali, a father to nine children, was most at his best when he visited children in hospitals and schools in Asia, Africa, Europe, or America.
To their great delight, he would spend hours performing his magic tricks with them.
He was sometimes barely audible as his symptoms worsened, but he never lost his sense for humor and mischief.
The inmates were ecstatic when he said that he was visiting a San Diego prison with high security.
When asked about his home life, he answered: "I don’t know. I’m never home."
He visited Britain often and, on one occasion, took the time to visit Michael Watson in London after one of his brain surgeries.
Watson stated, "It was an overwhelming experience and it undoubtedly helped in my subsequent recovery."
It highlights Ali's humanity and my favorite story is when he was invited by the Royal Marsden Hospital for a visit to cheer up cancer patients who were being treated in isolation.
Professor Ray Powles, head of the treatment center, said that he was able to communicate with each patient through the glass and that the changes in their attitudes and motivations were visible.
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"Princess Diana had visited my unit before. Although she made a positive impression, Ali's impact on the unit was much greater.
My ten years of experience as a part-time performer in Ali's Flying Circus made me undoubtedly the Greatest both inside and outside the ring.
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