“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
~ Muhammed Ali
(1942-2016)
“If I were directing a movie and I could tell Ali where to knock him down and Sonny where to fall, they’re exactly where I would put them.”
~ Neil Leifer
This image has always meant a lot to me. Whenever I look at it I get caught up in its power and beauty and energy. It certainly deserves its reputation as the greatest sports photo ever taken. It evokes great memories. I’ve know Neil for over 40 years and he is a fighter too. Always pushing, always tap dancing to the next adventure fueled by his restless and endless creativity. He is inspiring to be around. I also had the great honor to meet Ali too. I was flying to New York from LAX many years ago and you know when there is an empty seat next to you before you take off, you wonder who might be occupying it. Well it was none other than Ali himself. Sadly he was in his late stage of Parkinson’s. He sits down and hands me a card that says “Hello. I’m Muhammed Ali. I cannot talk to you because I have Parkinson’s but nice to meet you. I hope you have a good flight. God bless." Wow you could have knocked me down with a feather! Such grace, such class and still with such charisma.If ever I need an extra shot of adrenaline, forget caffeine, this is the image I run to first.