Muhammad Ali is desperate to meet the Queen on a last ever visit to the UK planned for the summer, sources close to the boxer have confirmed.
The 74 year-old former world champion - who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984 - has been put on a daily fitness regime by doctors in a bid to build up his strength to enable him to fly from the States to the UK.
Ali had been due to open an exhibition charting his life called I Am The Greatest at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow and runs until August 31.
But he was warned he needed to be stronger before attempting to make the long trip from his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
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A source close to Ali said: “He wants to meet the Queen. He knows it will be the last time he comes to the UK and his number one wish is to meet Her Majesty.”
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Coventry Telegraph)The sporting great has also been advised he will have to make a flight to London in at least two different stages to avoid suffering from fatigue.
Ali’s close pal and author Davis Miller told The Mirror: “I’ve spoken with Ali’s wife Lonnie this morning and the plan now is to bring him over the UK later this summer.
“It was deemed too soon to bring him over for the start of the London exhibition this week, but Ali definitely wants to visit while it is still on.
“He has made no secret of the fact that he treats the UK almost like a second home.
"Doctors have given Ali a strict fitness plan to try and build up his strength in time for the flight over.
“You are talking about flying through two or three different time zones to get to the UK, which is a strain on anyone, never mind someone who is suffering what Ali is.
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“He will fly elsewhere in the States, stop overnight, and then fly on again in order to cut down on the strain the journey will put on him.”
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The boxer’s wife arrived in London today to open the exhibition.
Asked about the enduring interest in her husband, she told BBC radio: “It is astounding. It is humbling actually.
“But Muhammad was larger than life, and he is still larger than life. Throughout his career and throughout his life, he’s touched so many lives, so many people, in such a warm-hearted way that they love him.”
Ali dominated the golden era of heavyweight boxing, winning 56 of his 61 fights, and forging a ferocious rivalry with Joe Frazier.
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Monte Fresco / Daily Mirror)A petition started by former British world heavyweight champion David Haye, calling for Ali to be given the honorary knighthood, now has more than 21,000 signatories.
Mayor Boris Johnson, Sir Bob Geldof, champion boxer Anthony Joshua and comedian John Bishop are among those backing the call.
Previous recipients of an honorary knighthood, given to non-UK nationals, include Bono, the late Terry Wogan and Steven Spielberg.
MPs from across the political spectrum have already backed the move to honour Kentucky-born Ali, with more coming forward every day.
Leicester West MP Liz Kendall said: “He has achieved so much, is a role model to people across the world and has stood true to his principles.”
Advertising guru Trevor Beattie also revealed he has loaned his own multi-million-pound collection of Ali memorabilia to the O2 exhibition.
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They include Ali’s training robe from his last fight and the gloves he wore to trade blows with Henry Cooper in London in 1963.
Beattie, who bought the gloves in 2001 for around £38,000 and has them insured for £1 million, said there was no doubt the former heavyweight champion should be given an honorary knighthood, adding: “It should have happened years ago.”
Mr Miller, co-curator of the exhibition, said: “Visitors to the exhibition will learn the boxer is not only a sporting hero - but a hero to the world.
“He’s my bud, my pal, I love him.”
