Baltimore Honors Muhammad Ali
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Float like a butterfly; sting like a bee. Countless people, including some in Baltimore, are reflecting on that famous line and others delivered by boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
George Solis shows us how the champ is being remembered.
Ali's cause of death is still linked to natural causes. In the meantime, for many---including here in Baltimore---the champ's legacy will always live on.
Charismatic, fiery and icon are some of the many words used to describe boxing legend Muhammad Ali. He, of course, preferred "The greatest."
His death at 74 on Friday in Arizona has many reflecting on the impact the man who floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee leaves behind.
"He inspired me. I loved the way he talked," said Jake Smith.
Smith, who owns Baltimore Boxing, tells WJZ he met the champ at the age of 12 and it was a life-changing experience.
"His hand was like the size of a mountain and I looked up to him like, `Wow!' It was just a pretty incredible feeling and I'm sure if these kids could have experienced something that great, they would probably be owning a gym in a few years," said Smith.
Ali was definitely no stranger to Charm City. He spent time with the Ravens during their Super Bowl season in 2012 and had a stop in the early 90s.
During his final moments, he was surrounded by his children.
Smith says he has an upcoming show that he will dedicate to Ali.
Ali also battled Parkinson's disease for 32 years.