Lennox Lewis to Help Carry on the Legacy and Ideals of Muhammad Ali
Former Olympian is First Professional Athlete to Pledge Significant Gift to Ali Center
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(March 2004) Lennox Lewis and Muhammad Ali have a little fun sparring in the ring together
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Louisville, KY (August 11, 2004) -- The Olympic Games are an exceptional time for sharing and celebrating the gifts and talents of athletes across cultures and geographic borders. This year that is especially true as it marks the 100th anniversary of boxing as an Olympic sport and of African Americans’ participation in the Games.
Lennox Lewis, former heavyweight champion of the world, is the first professional athlete to pledge money to Muhammad Ali’s international center being built in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Both Lewis and Ali are former Olympic gold medallists.
Lewis says his gift is an expression of thanks for how Ali has influenced him as an athlete and as a public figure. “I want to be part of Muhammad Ali’s legacy in helping people—especially children—to find greatness within,” said Lewis.
Lewis is involved in the 100 Black Men of London, sponsors an elementary school chess team, assists various youth and education-focused organizations in the U.K. and the U.S., and has plans to build a boxing a recreation center in Jamaica.
Ali, who was the first boxer to have ever won the world heavyweight title three times, has been an advocate for respect, hope, and understanding both at home and around the globe for three decades. Today, he is a United Nations Messenger of Peace. These same ideals will be communicated by the Center through innovative exhibitry, public programming, and distance learning initiatives.
Michael Fox, president and CEO of the Ali Center said, “With our gratitude to Lennox, we look forward to having visitors explore what we have to offer—both literally and figuratively. The exhibitry will showcase six major themes of Ali’s life and will encourage visitors to embark on their own paths to personal greatness.” These themes are: respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, and spirituality.
Mrs. Lonnie Ali said that she and her husband are very grateful for Lennox’s pledge, as it will help complete the Center’s capital campaign. “This gift says a lot about the man,” she continued, “Lennox is about giving back and he believes in what we’re doing. I’m glad he has taken the lead and I hope he is able to inspire others.”
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