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He helped pioneer boxing in Qatar, recalls QBF chief
Victor Bolorunduro
Doha
The legend Muhammad Ali not only bestrode the world of boxing like a colossus that he was, but was also actively involved in introducing boxing to Qatar.
Revealing Ali's connect with Qatar to Qatar Tribune, the Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF) President Yousuf Ali al Kazim, who is also head of the Arab Boxing Federation (ABF), said the country was privileged to host the boxer twice during his lifetime - In 1971 and 1991.
"I remember with nostalgic feelings, the first visit of 'The Greatest' to Qatar in 1971. It was a visit that still lingers in my memory till date. Though I was very young at that time but I can still remember how the Doha Stadium (the first play ground in Qatar) was filled to capacity. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of this man whose famous exploits inside and outside the ring had captivated the world," he reminisced.
"Ali was on a tour of the Arab world, in the buildup to his match against Joe Frazier, and he was well received everywhere he went. During his visit to Doha, an exhibition match was held in his honour under the auspices of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani, the then Minister of Education and the chairman of the Youth Board. Ali came into the ring after a brief introduction and wowed the crowd with his fanciful footwork and his amiable charm.
"In the end, he gave a short speech where he stated that he never knew he had such a fan following in this part of the world to the admiration of everyone present. That bout was like a seed that led to further development of boxing in the country," said Kazim.
He added that the boxer was opportune to visit the country once again in September 1991, this time as a retired professional, but the visit again was memorable as the first one.
"Ali wasn't just a boxer but a philosopher, poet, a fighter in the true sense of it, as well as a humanitarian. He was the greatest boxer of all time and a man whose legacy will last forever," the QBF head added.
He said that he took it upon himself to pay a visit to Ali at his home in Kentucky last year, in the buildup to the AIBA Men's World Championships Doha 2015, but was unfortunately unable to see him as he was said not to be in good health at the time and was not able to attend to visitors.
"QBF joins the rest of the boxing family and indeed the world to mourn the passage of this legend. We will definitely miss him and his contributions to our sport will remain forever," he said.
