Muhammad Ali Inspired Denver Gym Owner To Help Troubled Teens

DENVER (CBS4) - Henry Delgado's passion for the sport of boxing was fueled years ago by watching Muhammad Ali.

Delgado would watch the boxing legend -- who died on Friday at the age of 74 -- bob and weave in the ring seemingly without effort.

"It was like chills running up your spine because he was the greatest of all time, and I do believe that," the Denver business owner said.

Delgado runs Delgado's Boxing and Martial Arts, and he says he was inspired to help troubled teens at his gym after seeing the boxer's humanitarian triumphs.

Delgado says one of the greatest moments of his life was when he got to see Ali in person.

"He made eye contact with me, and that was real important, because I was a kid," he said.

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Delgado says even after his death Ali's legend will "live on."

"Everybody all over the whole world knows who Muhammad Ali was, even if they don't know who the president of the United States is, they know who Muhammad Ali is," Delgado said.

Among Ali's opponents in the ring was a former Broncos player. Defensive end Lyle Alzado fought Ali at Mile High Stadium on July 14, 1979. Alzado took on on the champ in an unscored exhibition match.

Alzado got some punches in, but Ali took home the win.