Muhammad Ali Honoured in London

Muhammad Ali was honoured on Wednesday night by celebrities from the world of sport and showbusiness.

The 70-year-old former heavyweight boxing world champion, who also won an Olympic gold medal, was being celebrated at the Sports For Peace gala in central London.

Ali's younger brother, Rahaman Ali, 69, said: 'He's very happy and proud to be here.

'He was a part of the 1960 team, and he's glad to be here.

'He won in 1960, and he thinks the US team are going to be the champs this year.'

Ali picked up the gold medal for the United States in the Rome Olympics in 1960 in the light heavyweight class. He was then known as Cassius Clay.

Sports stars from around the world attended the gala evening at the Victoria and Albert Museum in central London.

Former world and European champion, and 1988 Olympic silver medallist, Colin Jackson said: 'It's absolutely wonderful to be here.

'Any time we can celebrate anything with a sporting icon, it's just fantastic.

'When you just look around the people here, you can understand and magnitude of this man.'

Asked what Ali brought to sport, and the Olympics, the 45-year-old Welshman said: 'He brought excellence. He brought skill and maturity.

'He showed that the Games themselves are about fun and young people.

'We have all got family members and close friends like him, people with a cheeky personality and who are good at their job.

'He showed sports stars that everyone can be like that.'

Former tennis star Boris Becker said: 'Muhammad Ali is the greatest of all time. The greatest living sportsman.

'To be in his presence one more time is a big honour and a privilege.

'He presented his sport all over the world. From an athlete he became a peacemaker, he became a global warrior and just a spokesperson for the right causes. He has had just an incredible life.'