Muhammad Ali Remembers Boxing Legend Max Schmeling

On February 4th, 2005, former heavyweight boxing champion Max Schmeling of Germany passed away at the age of 99. Here, Muhammad Ali shares his personal thoughts about Schmeling.

In Remembrance of Max Schmeling

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Max Schmeling, and to all the people of Germany, for their great loss. Mr. Schmeling was one of the most prominent boxers in the history of the sport, but like all great athletes, his true heroism was not in the sport itself.

The real legacy of Max Schmeling will be that he stood up to great pressure and confrontation in one of the most difficult times in German and world history. The Nazis tried to appropriate his positive image for their own terrible gains, but Schmeling refused to be a part of it. Instead, he became a quiet hero, risking his own life to save two young Jewish brothers who eventually escaped to China and then to the United States.

Max Schmeling was an outstanding athlete and one of the greatest boxing champions that ever lived. Although of humble beginnings, he was a successful businessman as well and became one of Germany's leading philanthropists. Most importantly, he was a good and decent man who stood up for what he believed in despite the cost. His legacy will live long after him."

--Muhammad Ali