WYOMING, Mich. — The man many refer to as ‘The Greatest’ died Friday and the world lost an icon with the passing of Muhammad Ali.
For the people who were fortunate enough to be in his inner circle, they’ve lost an inspirational friend.
FOX 17 spoke with a Wyoming man who was a close friend to Ali. Lennox Forrest said he was blessed to have known him.
"Muhammad Ali's life was an impactful life,” Forrest said. “He was willing to give, he was willing to sacrifice, and despite his fame and money, he loved people.
Forrest said he first met Ali in 1989 when he was living in Berrien Springs. He said he heard Ali lived down the road, so he simply went to his house to say hello to the champ.
"Muhammad started clowning, saying you look like Joe Frazier, I'm going to whoop you," Forrest said.
The pair would visit often over the years. They'd enjoy talking about the championship fights and watching them for Ali's glory days.
Forrest mentioned the legendary boxer also had a love for something else.
"Another thing he enjoyed immensely was magic. He loved magic tricks," Forrest said. "He's just a big clown, and in many ways I see Muhammad as a big child."
Forrest said Ali displayed the qualities of a true champion inside and outside of the ring, always doing everything he could to make the lives of others better.
"Muhammad Ali's life was an impactful life," he said. "He was willing to give, he was willing to sacrifice, and despite his fame and money, he loved people."
