Muhammad Ali Knighthood Petition Gathering Pace

The petition launched for boxing legend Muhammad Ali to receive an honorary knighthood which was set up by former world heavyweight champion David Haye is quickly gathering pace as 12,000 people have already signed a Change.org campaign.

London mayor Boris Johnson, Olympic boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams, and Hollywood actor Luke Evans, are among those demanding Britain honours the star widely regarded as The Greatest in his sport. 

As well as for his prowess in the ring, Ali is also lauded for his contribution towards the fight against racism, while his refusal to fight in the Vietnam war confirmed his status as a pop culture icon.  Olympic gold medallist Joshua “What makes Ali such a role model is the battles he had to go through. He was fighting through the civil rights movement.  He was more than just a boxer, he was a leader for many people”.

Conservative Party MP Johnson added: “As a child, bashing the top of an old ropey black and white telly, I would sit mesmerised by grainy images of a hero who seemed to float above his opponents: the grace, guile, speed of hand. From race relations to religious freedom, he fought tireless and principled struggles all his life. I can't think of a more fitting recipient of an honorary knighthood.

Ali, now aged 74 suffering from Parkinson's disease, won 56 of his 61 professional fights and became the undisputed world heavyweight champion hanging up his gloves in 1981.