Muhammad Ali, A Pioneer of Racial Equality

In a message on Sunday June 5, FM Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari offered his deepest condolences for the passing of boxing legend Muhammad Ali late on Friday June 3 at the age of 74, to his family, relatives, and fans around the world.

“Muhammad Ali was not only a celebrated and unparalleled champion in boxing, but what immortalized his name among all others was what in Iranian culture and tradition is called the Pahlavani [sporting and social champion] creed,” Jaberi Ansari said in the message.

He went on to call Muhammad Ali one of the pioneers in the field of racial equality, and a voice of human conscience against various discriminations due to the colour of skin, ethnicity and race, adding that “the name Muhammad Ali will forever remind us of the rejection of imperialism, hegemony and warmongering.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also expressed his condolences in a Tweet on Saturday, saying, “May the Almighty receive Muhammad Ali – the Greatest in the ring and in the fight for justice, dignity and peace – in His infinite mercy.”

Muhammad Ali – one of the world’s greatest sporting figures and the former world heavyweight champion – died at the age of 74 late on Friday, due to septic shock after several days in the hospital with a severe respiratory illness.

His death drew a massive response from all around the world, and Iranian fans took to social media to share their grief and pay their respects to the late boxing legend.