15 moving photographs of Muhammad Ali in Birmingham

Muhammad Ali has made several visits to Birmingham, England, over the decades, in the 80s and 90s. He visited the city and met with fans, bringing them hope, joy and support; even opening the Muhammad Ali Community Centre in Hockley in May 1983.

The boxer, political and social activist, and humanitarian, passed away on Saturday 4th June, after many years of suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, age 74.

Here’s some incredibly moving photographs of the Greatest Of All Time’s visits to Birmingham:

1. Muhammad Ali speaks to the congregation at Birmingham Central Mosque on 7th August, 1983

2. Muhammad Ali holds and kisses local child Bindu Ritti during a visit to a Smethwick factory on 12th August 1983

3. Rowley Regis fan Dan Fowkes meet his hero Muhammad Ali

4. Muhammad Ali is measured up by local tailor Ahmet Yusuf; for a wool and mohair suit, on 6th August 1983

5. Muhammad Ali poses with Chelmsley Wood boxing hopeful Mark Sherrington in 1983

6. Muhammad Ali is seen holding and kissing local youngster on 7th August, 1983

7. Muhammad Ali running with fans at Edgbaston Reservoir in 1984

8. Muhammad Ali sitting with the congregation at the Birmingham Central Mosque on 7th August, 1983

9. Muhammad Ali meets fans at Bingley Hall in 1983

10. Muhammad Ali meets a young fan in 1979

11. Muhammad Ali saluting the 1,000-strong crowd as he opens a sports centre named after him in Hockley

12. Muhammad Ali is surrounded by a 1,000-strong crowd as he opens a sports centre named after him in Hockley

13. Muhammad Ali listens to school children sing on 11th August, 1983

14. Muhammad Ali jokes with local fans on 10th August, 1983

15. Muhammad Ali saluting the 1,000-strong crowd as he opens a sports centre named after him in Icknield Street, Hockley