'The Greatest' reigns at boxing championships

Defender Staff Report

It was 47 years ago when a young, brash boxer from Louisville, Ky. named Cassius clay captured the world's imagination by winning the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Rome, going on to even greater glory as the heavyweight champion.

Monday night, Muhammad Ali returned to glory as a surprise guest at the opening ceremonies of the AIBA World Boxing Championships.

"Muhammad Ali personifies all the values that the Olympic Movement stands for; commitment, excellence and a devotion to making the world a better place," said Jack Sandifer chairman of the local organizing committee during the opening ceremonies, held at the Chicago Theatre.

The …