In the
months before he died following respiratory complications, boxing legend
Muhammad Ali had largely withdrawn from public life.
But his
final public appearance came two months before be passed – appropriately enough
at the annual Celebrity Fight Night, in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 9.
The
fight night, a charity event, has long been closely tied with Ali's profile:
His appearance at the third annual event significantly boosted its profile; and
it raises money for his eponymous Parkinson's disease center in Arizona.
While in
attendance that night Ali, wearing a dark sunglasses to match his black bowtie,
met with Carrie Underwood, among others. He did not attend the previous two
fight night galas, according to the Arizona Republic.
And
though he did not speak, he received a standing ovation from the attendees,
according to the paper.
His
death last week, in turn, triggered widespread reaction from around the world –
from celebrities, politicians, fans and family.
Speaking
to PEOPLE in March, daughter Laila Ali said her father continued to awe her,
more than 30 years into his fight with Parkinson's disease.
"He's
such a fighter, still, when at times he seems weak and not able to handle
it," she said. "He comes through stronger than ever. He's still
fighting regardless and I love my dad for that."
Source:
People.com
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