Muhammad Ali: The World's Greatest Boxer

Muhammad Ali visited Kenya in February 1980. The sole purpose of his visit was to persuade Kenya and other African states to boycott the 1980 Olympics in Moscow after the Soviet Union attacked Afghanistan in 1979. 

In an offer to have a few nations denounce the Soviet Union's activities, US President Jimmy Carter picked Muhammad Ali to go on a five-country visit to persuade African leaders to blacklist the Moscow Olympics. 

Ali was against the Soviet Union's activities in Afghanistan and he was a notable figure in Africa. Choosing Ali for this mission was key and brilliant of President Carter. While in Kenya, Ali called on the country’s second President Daniel Arap Moi and was hosted at State House in Nairobi. Following his visit, Kenya did support the US boycott.

While in Kenya, Ali put on an exhibition session with Muhammed Abdullah Kent, the only Kenyan who dared to enter the ring to fight this legendary boxer. The crowd kept on chanting, "Ali! Ali! Ali!". Ali knocked out Muhammed Kent in the fourth round.

Ali died in June 2016 after suffering from a respiratory illness, a condition that was complicated by his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

While visiting Ghana in 1964, Ali said: “I am an African, and my proper name is Muhammad Ali. There is greater dignity in my new name." 
His words will never be forgotten.