Muhammad Ali Dies: Video Shows Moment He Talked Down Suicidal Man From Ledge

'What a guy'.

Muhammad Ali, whose death aged 74 has triggered an outpouring of mourning and celebration of his epic life, was as famous for his deeds outside the ring and in it.

As admirers and rivals pay tribute, people were recalling one incident, relatively forgotten compared to the famous achievements in his life, where he talked a suicidal man down from a ledge.

According to a CBS News report, a man was threatening to jump from the ninth-floor when Ali, who lived around a mile away, went to help.

 

The man was shouting "I'm not good. I'm going to jump" from the window over Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles in January, 1981.

Police and a church minister had "all but given up" trying to talk him out of it, CBS reported.

After arriving, Ali went to the window and told the man: "I'm your brother, I want to help you."

It took him 20 minutes to convince the man to open the fire escape door, allowing himself to be pulled off the ledge.

 

Before You Go

Muhammad Ali
(01 of81)
Open Image Modal
Published caption: November 16, 1962--FRIENDLY MEETING--Veteran Archie Moore, left, and youthful Cassius Clay appear friendly as they were weighed in Thursday morning by Clayton Frye, right, of Athletic Commission. Clay later knocked out Moore in the fourth round at the Sports Arena. [Clay later known as Muhammad Ali.] (Photo by Judd Gunderson / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) (credit:Judd Gunderson via Getty Images)
(02 of81)
Open Image Modal
American boxer Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali) points at the camera from an open car door as he takes part in a pre-football game parade, Miami, Florida, December 14, 1963. He was Miami to train for his title fight against Sonny Liston. (Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Underwood Archives via Getty Images)
(03 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali (R) fights Ken Norton at Yankee Stadium in the third fight between the two heavyweights in New York City, New York, U.S., September 28,1976.Mandatory Credit: Action Images / MSI/File Photo EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (credit:Action Images / Reuters)
(04 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali (L) punches Richard Dunn while fighting for the WBC & WBA Heavyweight Title in Munich, Germany May 24, 1976.Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Sporting Pictures/File Photo EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (credit:Action Images / Reuters)
(05 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali and his entourage try to wind up Ken Norton ahead of their third fight in New York, New York, U.S. September 23, 1976.Mandatory Credit: Action Images / MSI/File Photo EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (credit:Action Images / Reuters)
(06 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali is seen cuddling his daughters Laila, (L ) and Hana (R) at a Hotel in London, Britain December 19, 1978.Mandatory Credit: Action Images / MSI/File Photo EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (credit:Action Images / Reuters)
(07 of81)
Open Image Modal
Pope John Paul II and former U.S. heavyweight boxing champion MuhammadAli (R) sign autographs for each other at the end of their meeting atthe Vatican, June 5, 1982. REUTERS/Vatican PP03090123 POPE LEADERSjm (credit:Reuters Photographer / Reuters)
(08 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali. Cassius Clay Vs Norton. 1973. (Photo by: Marka/UIG via Getty Images) (credit:Marka via Getty Images)
(09 of81)
Open Image Modal
Cassius Clay, heavyweight boxing contender, listens to Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the group Nation of Islam, speaking at a rally prior to Elijah Muhammad giving him the name Muhammand Ali, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 5, 1963. (Photo by Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images) (credit:Afro Newspaper/Gado via Getty Images)
(10 of81)
Open Image Modal
CIRCA 1960: Willie Pep and Muhammad Ali pose as they read Willie Peps book ' Friday's Heroes'.(Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(11 of81)
Open Image Modal
FORT LEE - AUGUST 12: Dick Kirschner, CBS Television Network journalist interviewing Muhammad Ali, member of the 1960 Summer Olympic U.S. Mens Boxing Team. Pictured: (L to R) Dick Kirschner, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (alt. Muhammad Ali). Image dated August 12, 1960. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
(12 of81)
Open Image Modal
British Heavyweight champion Henry Cooper (1934 - 2011, left) with American boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) after their non-title fight at Wembley Stadium, London, 18th June 1963. Clay won the match by a technical knockout after Cooper sustained a cut under his left eye. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Central Press via Getty Images)
(13 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - APRIL 22: During a visit to the training room of the boxer in Miami, the BEATLES were acting as they were knocked out by the American boxer Muhammad ALI, became recently boxe World Champion. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) (credit:Keystone-France via Getty Images)
(14 of81)
Open Image Modal
MIAMI BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 25: Muhammad Ali (aka Cassius Clay) in his corner between rounds at the Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida, February 25, 1964. Cassius Clay won the World Heavyweight Title by RTD in round 6 of 15. (Photo by Stanley Weston/Getty Images) (credit:The Stanley Weston Archive via Getty Images)
(15 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - MAY 29: The American Boxer Sonny Liston Jabbing His Adversary Cassius Clay During The World Championship In Miami Beach, Florida On February 28, 1964. After This Match, He Becomes Muhammad Ali. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) (credit:Keystone-France via Getty Images)
(16 of81)
Open Image Modal
American boxer Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) rests during training for the world heavyweight title fight against fellow American Sonny Liston at Miami Beach, Florida. Ali went on to win the match, making him world heavyweight champion for the first time. Original Publication: People Disc - HW0526 (Photo by Harry Benson/Getty Images) (credit:Harry Benson via Getty Images)
(17 of81)
Open Image Modal
Published caption: April 24, 1962--LOGAN ON ATTACK--George Logan bulls Cassius Clay into ropes and lands right during first round action at Sports Arena. This was Logan's only offensive moment as Clay battered his opponent for an easy fourth round knockout Monday night before 7,500 fans. [Clay later known as Muhammad Ali.] (Photo by Art Rogers / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) (credit:Art Rogers via Getty Images)
(18 of81)
Open Image Modal
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 25,1964: Sonny Liston (L) throws a left hook to Muhammad Ali during the bout the Convention Hall in Miami Beach ,Florida. Muhammad Ali won the World Heavyweight Title. It was the 1964 Fight of the Year - Ring Magazine. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(19 of81)
Open Image Modal
American WBA Heavyweight boxing championMuhammad Ali on the the throne of his namesake, Mohammed Ali Pasha (1769 - 1849), at Al-Gawhara Palace, Cairo, Egypt, 9th June 1964. Mohammed Ali Pasha is regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. (Photo by Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images) (credit:Express via Getty Images)
(20 of81)
Open Image Modal
(GERMANY OUT) Der Boxer Cassius Clay (später Muhammad Ali) während des Trainings an einem Punching Ball. (Photo by Alert/ullstein bild via Getty Images) (credit:ullstein bild via Getty Images)
(21 of81)
Open Image Modal
American WBA Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, with a statue of the Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) outside the Cheops Casino, El Giza, Egypt, June 1964. (Photo by Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images) (credit:Express via Getty Images)
(22 of81)
Open Image Modal
American WBA Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali (in dark jacket, centre) praying at the Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, June 1964. (Photo by Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images) (credit:Express via Getty Images)
(23 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay, Jr.; January 17, 1942) American former professional boxer, considered among the greatest heavyweights in the sport's history. May 25, 1965, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali after his rematch with boxer Sonny Liston. Ali knocked out Liston in the first round. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images) (credit:Universal History Archive via Getty Images)
(24 of81)
Open Image Modal
CIRCA - 1960's: Muhammad Ali (R) throws a punch to the head of an opponent (L) during a fight circa mid 1960's. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (credit:Focus On Sport via Getty Images)
(25 of81)
Open Image Modal
LEWISTON, ME - MAY 25: Muhammad Ali talks with the media after defeating Sonny Liston to retain the WBC Heavyweight tittle on May 25, 1965 at the Central Maine Youth Center in Lewiston, Maine. Ali won the fight by KO. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (credit:Focus On Sport via Getty Images)
(26 of81)
Open Image Modal
LEWISTON, ME - MAY 25: Muhammad Ali raises his arms in celebrations after putting down Sonny Liston in the canvas as referee Jersey Joe Walcott gives count in the first round of the World Heavyweight Title bout at St. Dominic's Hall on May 25, 1965 in Lewiston, Maine. This was Cassius Clay first fight after changing his name into Muhammad Ali. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (credit:Focus On Sport via Getty Images)
(27 of81)
Open Image Modal
15th May 1966: World heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali at 34 Tavistock Crescent in Notting Hill, London. On his right is Rhaune Laslett, who was instrumental in organising the Notting Hill Carnival, and whose house this is. On the left, with a camera, is Ali's photographer Howard Bingham. (Photo by R. McPhedran/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:R. McPhedran via Getty Images)
(28 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - MARCH 29: Muhammad ALI training in White City with a partner for his next match against the British boxer Henry COOPER. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) (credit:Keystone-France via Getty Images)
(29 of81)
Open Image Modal
World heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, has his hands bandaged by his manager Angelo Dundee (1921 - 2012, right) before the day's training session at the Territorial Army Gymnasium at White City, London, 16th May 1966. On the left is Jack 'George' Achilles, head chef of Isowâs, a restaurant in Brewer Street, Soho, favoured by celebrities including Ali, and his entourage. Ali is in training for his fight against the British champion Henry Cooper at Arsenal's Highbury Stadium, London on May 21st. (Photo by R. McPhedran/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:R. McPhedran via Getty Images)
(30 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 06: The American boxer Muhammad ALI kept his heavyweight world champion title by beating the British boxer Brian LONDON in London, on the third round. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) (credit:Keystone-France via Getty Images)
(31 of81)
Open Image Modal
Boxer Muhammad Ali poses with a car, Michigan, 1965. (Photo by Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images) (credit:Afro Newspaper/Gado via Getty Images)
(32 of81)
Open Image Modal
American singer James Brown (1933 - 2006) and boxing champ Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay), smile and greet parade goers while participating in the annual Bud Billiken parade, Chicago, Illinois, August 1966. (Photo by Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images) (credit:Robert Abbott Sengstacke via Getty Images)
(33 of81)
Open Image Modal
Television sports journalist Howard Cosell (1918 - 1995), center, keeps boxers Ernie Terrell, left, and Muhammad Ali (the former Cassius Clay), on right, away from each other as they stand in mock fighting poses during a pre-bout promotional event, probably in Houston, TX, 1967. (Photo by Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images) (credit:Robert Abbott Sengstacke via Getty Images)
(34 of81)
Open Image Modal
World heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) signs an autograph for two year-old Shelley Obermuller from Acton, during a training session at the Territorial Army Gymnasium at White City, London, 17th May 1966. Clay is in London for his upcoming title defence against British champion Henry Cooper. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Central Press via Getty Images)
(35 of81)
Open Image Modal
Boxer Muhammad Ali speaks into the microphone while boxing champ Ernie Terrell sits to his left during a press conference held at the Americana Hotel in New York, to promote their upcoming February bout in Houston's Astrodome, January 1967. (Photo by Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images) (credit:Robert Abbott Sengstacke via Getty Images)
(36 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - MARCH 23: Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) reads the Daily News story about his victory over Zora Folley at the Midtown Motor Inn. (Photo by Jack Smith/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
(37 of81)
Open Image Modal
Boxer Muhammad Ali walks along the sidewalk outside the Americana hotel, where he attended a press conference to promote his upcoming bout against boxer Ernie Terrell, New York, 1967. (Photo by Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images) (credit:Robert Abbott Sengstacke via Getty Images)
(38 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Muhammad Ali Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images (credit:Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)
(39 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNDATED: Muhammad Ali stares down his opponent in his corner prior to a match. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (credit:Focus On Sport via Getty Images)
(40 of81)
Open Image Modal
American boxer Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) in bed in his hotel room, 15th February 1967. (Photo by Harry Benson/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Harry Benson via Getty Images)
(41 of81)
Open Image Modal
DEER LAKE, PENNSYLVANIA - CIRCA 1970: Muhammad Ali poses with fans at his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(42 of81)
Open Image Modal
(GERMANY OUT) *17.01.1942-Sportler, Boxen USA(vormals Cassius Clay) schneidet eine Grimasse. Undatiertes Foto. (Photo by Schumann/ullstein bild via Getty Images) (credit:ullstein bild via Getty Images)
(43 of81)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK - MARCH 8: Joe Frazier ducks a Muhammad Ali punch during the World Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) (credit:Robert Riger via Getty Images)
(44 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - MARCH 08: Heavyweight champ Joe Frazier on the scale as Commissioner Edwin Dooley (l.) and Garden's John Condon look on after weighing-in ceremony at Felt Forum. Frazier weighed 205 1/2 for his title 15-rounder with Muhammad Ali. (Photo by Paul DeMaria/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
(45 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - MARCH 08: Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Dan Farrell/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
(46 of81)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK - DECEMBER 07: Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali trains for his fight against Oscar Bonavena on December 7, 1970 in New York, U.S.A. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) (credit:Anwar Hussein via Getty Images)
(47 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - MARCH 08: Bewildered, dazed, hurt and beaten, Muhammad Ali struggles to get back on his feet in punishing 15th round knockdown by Joe Frazier. (Photo by Frank Hurley/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
(48 of81)
Open Image Modal
UNITED STATES - MARCH 10: Daily News front page March 10, 1971, Headlines: ROCKY WEIGHS WELFARE CURB, Includes Return Ticket Home, 'Well, Shut My Mouth' Feeling cheekbone where Joe Frazier connected to knock him down in 15th round of their heavyweight title fight. , Muhammad Ali looks back in some pain on the morning after his first pro loss. Cheekbone was not fractured: When he did speak up, Ali asked for rematch. (Photo by NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) (credit:New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
(49 of81)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20, 1972: A general view taken during the Muhammad Ali and Floyd Patterson fight at Madison Square Garden on September 20, 1972 in New York, New York. Muhammad Ali won the NABF heavyweight title. Fight stopped on cuts and swelling around Patterson's eyes. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(50 of81)
Open Image Modal
LAS VEGAS - JUNE 27,1972: Muhammad Ali (L) throws a punch to Jerry Quarry during the fight at Convention Center on June 27,1972 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Muhammad Ali won the NABF heavyweight title by a TKO 7. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(51 of81)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 21, 1972: Muhammad Ali (R) throws a punch to the head of Floyd Patterson (L) during their heavyweight fight on September 21, 1972 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (credit:Focus On Sport via Getty Images)
(52 of81)
Open Image Modal
Boxing great Muhammad Ali shows his fists as he stands in the ring following his daughter Laila's fight in Washington in this June 11, 2005 file photo. REUTERS/Gary Hershorn/File Photo (credit:Gary Hershorn / Reuters)
(53 of81)
Open Image Modal
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, left. and actor Denzel Washington pose for photographers at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America annual President's dinner Wednesday, June 9, 2004 in New York. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
(54 of81)
Open Image Modal
WBC and WIBA super middleweight champion Laila Ali is kissed by her father, boxing great Muhammad Ali, at the MCI Center in Washington in this June 11, 2005 file photo. REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo (credit:Jason Reed / Reuters)
(55 of81)
Open Image Modal
PENNSYLVANIA - CIRCA 1974: Muhammad Ali photographed at his training camp in Pennsylvania, circa 1974. (Photo by PL Gould/IMAGES/Getty Images) (credit:Images Press via Getty Images)
(56 of81)
Open Image Modal
THE DICK CAVETT SHOW - Airdate: January 16, 1974. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)MUHAMMAD ALI;MICHAEL PARKINSON;DICK CAVETT;JOE FRAZIER (credit:ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images)
(57 of81)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK - JANUARY 17, 1974: Muhammad Ali speaks to the media as he taunts Joe Frazier during a press conference on January 17,1974 for bout II at Pen Restaurant in New York, New York. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(58 of81)
Open Image Modal
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 1973: Muhammad Ali trains with the speed bag for his upcoming fight against Ken Norton in Inglewood,California. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(59 of81)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28, 1974: Muhammad Ali (L) backs away from Joe Frazier (R) during a NABF heavyweight title fight January 28, 1974 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (credit:Focus On Sport via Getty Images)
(60 of81)
Open Image Modal
CELEVLAND - NOVEMBER 1973: Muhammad Ali pose in November 1973 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(61 of81)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK - JANUARY 17, 1974: Muhammad Ali taunts Joe Frazier as they promote their second fight on January 17,1974 for bout II at Pen Restaurant in New York, New York. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(62 of81)
Open Image Modal
KINSHASA, CONGO - OCTOBER 30: A general view of 'The Match of the Century ' between the former world heavyweight boxing champion the American Muhammad Ali (R) and his compatriot and titleholder George Foreman (L). Ali won and got back his title October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa, Congo. (Photo by: AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
(63 of81)
Open Image Modal
TO GO WITH AFP STORIESIn this photo taken on October 19, 1974 shows US boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali (L) (born Cassius Clay) 11 days before the heavy weight world championship in Kinshasa. On October 30, 1974 Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in a clash of titans known as the 'Rumble in the Jungle', watched by 60 000 people in the stadium in Kinshasa and millions elsewhere. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
(64 of81)
Open Image Modal
DEER LAKE,PA - AUGUST 1974: Muhammad Ali trains for an upcoming fight at his training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(65 of81)
Open Image Modal
INGLEWOOD,CA - SEPTEMBER 10,1973: Muhammad Ali (L) lands a punch against Ken Norton during the fight at Forum in Inglewood, California. Muhammad Ali won the NABF heavyweight title by a SD 12. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(66 of81)
Open Image Modal
RICHFIELD, OH - MARCH 24: World heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad Ali looks for an opening in the defense by challenger Chuck Wepner during a heavyweight title fight on March 24, 1975 at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio. Ali retained the title in a 15-round decision. (Photo by Tony Tomsic/Getty Images) (credit:Tony Tomsic via Getty Images)
(67 of81)
Open Image Modal
DEER LAKE, PA - AUGUST 1974: Muhammad Ali relaxes on a rock at Deer Lake training camp in August 1974 at Deer Lake, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(68 of81)
Open Image Modal
Don King, head of Don King Productions and Video Techniques, is flanked by Rev. Jesse Jackson and Muhammad Ali during news conference at United Nations. Ali Takes a Swipe At Farmers' At Actions. Muhammad Ali expressed outrage at American farmers who destroy food to keep prices up while people are starving. 'If I was President I'd call a press conference and say no more food shall be destroyed,' the heavyweight champion said during a visit to the United Nations. 'I'd order planes and boats to take it to all these places.' He was referring to places throughout the world where starvation prevails while United States ranchers destroy crops to protest prices. As for his own political ambitions, the 33-year-old Ali said: 'I want to help people, but I don't want to be a politician or a president. It ain't my philosophy. Ali said he missed breakfast and lunch in order to travel from his training camp in Deer Lake, Pa. to discuss the problems of world hunger with U.N. Secretary General Kurt Waldheim and officials of UNICEF, the U.N. Children's Fund. But he said he would have to go without eating for two days just to begin to realize what hunger is. Ali said Americans are 'intoxicated with grub' and think of eating in terms of 'steaks, cabbage and corn.' In many parts of Africa, he said, 'If they get a flapjack a day they're happy.' Ali spoke at a news conference where promoters announced that part of each ticket price for the closed circuit telecast of Ali's championship bout in Cleveland with Chuck Wepner March 24 would go to drought-stricken African countries. Promoter Don King said 50 cents from each ticket to the closed circuit telecast of the fight would be shared by UNICEF and Africare, a Washington-based private organization. He said the total could reach $500,000. Ali called the effort 'just a grain of sand in the desert in comparison to what has to be done.' (Photo By: Dan Farrell/NY Daily News via Getty Images) (credit:New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
(69 of81)
Open Image Modal
2nd December 1974: World Heavyweight Champion boxer Muhammad Ali addressing a Nation of Islam meeting at the New Victoria Theatre in London. (Photo by Tim Graham/Evening Standard/Getty Images) (credit:Tim Graham via Getty Images)
(70 of81)
Open Image Modal
SEPTEMBER 1974: Ring Magazine Cover - Muhammad Ali and George Foreman on the cover. (Photo by: The Ring Magazine/Getty Images) (credit:The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
(71 of81)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 15/01/01 of Lennox Lewis (right) with boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who has died at 74. (credit:Rebecca Naden/PA Wire)
(72 of81)
Open Image Modal
FILE - In this May 25, 1965, file photo, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali is held back by referee Joe Walcott, left, after Ali knocked out challenger Sonny Liston in the first round of their title fight in Lewiston, Maine. The bout produced one of the strangest finishes in boxing history as well as one of sports most iconic moments. (AP Photo/File) (credit:AP)
(73 of81)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 12/12/99 former world super middleweight boxing champion, Chris Eubank (left) with BBC Sports Personality of the Century, Muhammad Ali, at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, at BBC Television studios in London, Ali has died at 74. (credit:Michael Stephens/PA Wire)
(74 of81)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 17-02-1999 of Boxing legend Muhammad Ali shakes the hand of a little girl after he laid a wreath at a monument in London as part of a campaign by the Jubilee 2000 Coalition to cancel the Third World debt for the Millennium. (credit:Matthew Fearn/PA Wire)
(75 of81)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 11/05/66 of police officers walking alongside Muhammad Ali, as he leaves his London hotel for early morning training in preparation for his title fight with Henry Cooper, as Ali has died at the age of 74. (credit:PA/PA Wire)
(76 of81)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 12/12/99 former Manchester United footballer David Beckham (left), as he play fights with Sports Personality of the Century, Muhammad Ali, at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, at BBC Television studios in London, Ali has died at 74. (credit:PA/PA Wire)
(77 of81)
Open Image Modal
Retired boxing champion Muhammad Ali, center, receives the Liberty Medal with his wife Lonnie Ali at his left during a ceremony at the National Constitution Center, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, in Philadelphia. The honor is given annually to an individual who displays courage and conviction while striving to secure liberty for people worldwide. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (credit:Matt Rourke/AP)
(78 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali participates in the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012 in London. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (credit:Matt Slocum/AP)
(79 of81)
Open Image Modal
Muhammad Ali, center, and NFL great Tom Jackson, right, shakes hands with officials prior to the coin toss before the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/POOL, Bill Haber) (credit:Bill Haber/AP)
(80 of81)
Open Image Modal
Back Row, from left, John Wooten, Jim Brown, Bill Russell, and Bobby Mitchell stand behind Muhammad Ali before the start of the Ali Humanitarian Awards ceremony Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at the Louisville Mariott Downtown in Louisville, Ky. The four were participants of the 'Ali Summit' in 1967, and Brown will be receiving the Ali Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) (credit:Timothy D. Easley/AP)
(81 of81)
Open Image Modal
Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali speaks to the press during a training session for his fight against Jimmy Young in Arlington, VA, USA, on April 20, 1976. Photo by Arnie Sachs/CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM (credit:Sachs Ron/ABACA USA)