Chris Eubank says Muhammad Ali made others want to become better people
Saturday 4 June 2016 12:31, UK
Former world champion Chris Eubank says Muhammad Ali was an inspiration to himself and to millions of people around the world.
One of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, Ali has passed away at the age of 74, having battled Parkinson's disease for decades.
An all-time boxing great, Ali took part in some of the most memorable fights in the history of the sport and was a three-time world heavyweight champion.
However, his fame transcended sport and he was also an outspoken advocate of civil rights and an opponent of the Vietnam War, his refusal to fight leading to him being prosecuted for draft evasion.
Eubank, a former world middleweight and super-middleweight champion, told Sky Sports News HQ that Ali made others want to become better people.
"He said he was the greatest and he proved he was," said Eubank.
"Everyone was talking against him but he smiled and stayed positive - that was so inspirational to me.
"But while it takes courage to fight another man, it takes real courage and fortitude to stand up against a government and inspire people. These milestones are what make people want to do more, to be better."
Ali's emergence electrified the sport of boxing as he dazzled fans with his clever, bombastic wordplay ahead of fights and then stunned opponents with his speed and power in the ring.
And Eubank added: "I always had it in my mind about his flair. That vibrancy and that electricity inspired me. I wanted to be the maverick that he was.
"I effectively stood on the shoulders of a giant to make a little bit of noise myself. I'm a by-product of Muhammad Ali.
"The Rumble in the Jungle was a feat which could not be believed. He beat George Foreman, a monster, with his craft and his ringmanship. It was just brilliant.
"Who can do what he did? Who has the courage to stand out and be different and distinctive?
"I'm a living tribute to him, I try to project everything that he did. I'm not mourning, I'm celebrating him."
