Muhammad Ali celebrated his 70th birthday last night at a star-studded event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. David Beckham, Anthony Hopkins, Samuel L. Jackson, and Stevie Wonder were all on hand to honor The Champ during Keep Hope Alive’s 16th annual Power of Love Gala.
Beckham said:
“The man we celebrate tonight is a giant. Muhammad Ali has shown us one man can make a difference. His example of love, character, dignity, makes us want to be better. Muhammad Ali, you inspire me.”
Stevie Wonder performed at the event and President Obama sent Ali a video message. Obama said:
”Happy birthday, champ. As a fighter, you were something spectacular. You shocked the world, and you inspired it, too. And even after all the titles and legendary bouts, you’re still doing it.”
Contact Music reports that nearly 2,000 people attended the event with all proceeds going to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Here’s a video from Muhammad Ali’s birthday bash.
Muhammad Ali only lost five times during his illustrious boxing career. He won 56 fights, 36 by knockout. The boxing legend has been fighting Parkinson’s disease since the 1980s.
