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(Sports focus) Boxing legend Ali remembered as "dear friend" of China

Xinhua, June 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Sports heroes come from different places and backgrounds, but often their charisma transcends borders and shines on all of us.

Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer ever who died Friday at 74, has always been - and will be - remembered as a dear friend of China.

The 1960 Olympic gold medalist and three-time heavyweight world champion visited China in 1979 and was greeted by then Chinese vice premier Deng Xiaoping.

"You have deep feelings toward China. Very welcome to China and have a look around," Deng said to Ali. "Boxing can also be a bridge which enhances mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and American people."

Ali returned to China in 1985 and received warm welcome wherever he went.

His motto - "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" - is known to Chinese and he has been hailed as a beacon to Chinese youngsters chasing sporting dreams.

"He is an icon and a great man," said China's first ever WBC champion Xiong Chaozhong. "He taught us how to fight, how to overcome hardships."

Xiong recalled a meeting with Ali's wife, Lonnie.

"Ali's wife came to see me in a press conference after I won the WBC title on Nov. 24, 2012, telling me that Mr. Ali wanted me to be his student because he had promised Deng Xiaoping that he would teach China's first professional champion if there would be one," said Xiong.

China's two-time Olympic champion boxer Zou Shiming tearfully mourned the passing of Ali, vowing to win a professional title to honor the legendary boxer.

"I planned to go visit my idol Mr. Muhammad Ali after winning a professional bout. But now, I can only pray he is at peace in heaven, and free from illness and pain," the 2008 and 2012 Olympic champion posted on his Twitter-like Weibo account.

In a tearful interview, Zou said: "I am deeply grieving over the passing of the legend Mr. Ali, for whom I have great respect. He has been a great inspiration to me."

Chinese boxer Yang Lianhui hailed Ali as one of the most transformative persons in history.

"Both Chinese boxing and world boxing benefitted from Muhammad Ali's talents," said Yang. "He was influential both in and out of sports. He fought against injustice and sacrificed prime years of his own career in the process." Endit