The Champ He was, is, will be the Champion, the Greatest a lion of a man beloved, honored by millions his words still echo conjuring images past self proclaimed bad man floating like a butterfly stinging like a bee through turbulent, troubled times a symbol of pride for his race and religion The world watched his fights epic battles of titans legends made, remade glory won by strength of will before age stepped in the one foe no man can beat knocked him out for good no longer to grace the ring he retired at last to enjoy the easy life the money and fame years of fighting had earned him Soon he discovered still another fight looming a fearful illness ravishing his strong body masking and trapping the roaring lion of a man in his own body that he no longer controls words that flowed so smooth now painfully stumble out unable to speak the thoughts and poetry within The world watches now as the Champ fights once again refusing to lose his spirit, his strength, his hope he battles each day just to live a good, full life educate people about the illness he fights every day brings a new hard fought victory proving once again he is a true champion Some see his glory in victories long since past his defeat of men and those three world titles won their champ, their hero is the Ali of the ring when I think of him I see a true champion who won’t let illness take away his pride, his life who before the world held a victory flame high Copyright © Shadowy Poet/E.D.Q. 2001 Main Page