Amidst the loud cheers of fans, the blinding lights of fame, and the daunting power of money, there comes a time in a boxer’s life when friendship seems distant. Muhammad Ali had figured out what friendship was at the peak of his career, for he never received it. Today, years later, his definition of it is invoked yet again by a rising star in the sport, Shakur Stevenson. Does Ali’s understanding of friendship appeal to him?

The sounds of Ali’s punches continue to echo in the hall of fame today. That is attributed entirely to his boxing acumen. But beneath that prowess was a sensitive genius who knew what life was. Even today, when his era has seen its knell, his notes on relationships remain poignant. Shakur Stevenson knows that, and this is why he invokes Ali’s idea of friendship.

Shakur Stevenson subscribes to Ali’s definition of a friend

Muhammad Ali inspires boxers of all generations for the way he maneuvered through life. For that, they have his record to attest. For his lessons on life? The poems that he has penned come in handy. A young boxer like ‘Sugar’ needs both. Recently, taking to his Instagram stories, the fighter shared a video of Ali who spoke vividly about how friendship is beyond material gains. Concurring with his idea, 26-year-old Stevenson wrote, “The true meaning of the word friend!!!”

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So, who according to ‘the Greatest’ was a friend? Ali in the year 1974, the period when he peaked in his career said, “A friend is one who will not even consider giving his life for you. That’s a friend. Everybody you name are with me for money and for what they can get. I don’t have no friends.” It is well documented that Ali always stood his ground. From controversial political stances to the nuances of life, he always had something to say. About Friendship? He had a poem to write.

Muhammad Ali’s Golden Words on Friendship

In the poem, Ali compares friendship to things that humans have valued dearest to them. Material possessions like gold and pearls. He believes friendship is much more precious than a mountain of gold for the mountain is deaf and blind. A friend on the other hand understands you, sees you, and comforts you. And so he thinks if there’s one gift from god that one should cherish, it is good friendship.

He wrote, “Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought nor sold, but its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold. For gold is cold and lifeless. It can neither see nor hear. In times of trouble, it’s powerless cheer. It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand. It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand. So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if sends not diamonds, pearls, or riches but the love of real, true friends.”

Also Read: “I Forever Look Upto Him”: Years After Parting Ways With Hall of Famer, Shakur Stevenson Pens Message of Appreciation for Andre Ward

Muhammad Ali made his place in this world for what he had to say. When he spoke, it mattered. Perhaps, that is why even today, every time a fighter speaks of philosophical tangents, they make sure they quote the greatest. What do you think of Muhammad Ali’s idea of friendships? Let us know in the comments section below.

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