LeBron James donates US$2.5 million to Muhammad Ali exhibit
The Cleveland Cavaliers star says the gesture is his way of paying tribute to the impact the boxer has had on his career
LeBron James is donating US$2.5 million to an exhibit dedicated to Muhammad Ali at the newly opened Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in Washington.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star, a long-time admirer of the late former heavyweight boxing icon, told USA Today he was making the donation to pay tribute to Ali’s achievements both in and outside the ring.
“Muhammad Ali is such a cornerstone of me as an athlete because of what he represented not only in the ring as a champion but more outside the ring – what he stood for, what he spoke for, his demeanor,” James said.
“I think of him every day. Without his passion and goals and morals, I don’t know if I’d be sitting here today talking to you about it.”
The exhibit – titled “Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change” – includes items such as Ali’s headgear and training robe from the 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach where the boxer trained.
Ali, a beloved icon of the 20th century whose career transcended his sport, died in June at the age of 74.