Ali's greatest impact was outside the ring

[Irish George]

When he was at the height of his career, he was probably a more recognizable american worldwide than the president, and more recognizable human being ahead of the pope. I'm not exaggerating, and those who lived through those times will back me up.

[headknocker]

I grew up with a guy who went to Auburn for journalism and eventually was a sports writer for the Huntsville Times. He has a pic of himself in the background taking notes at some event where Willie Stargell and Ali were the guest speakers...two all-timers.