The Ali Cultural Centre - page 2

"The world is a better place because of you," said Clinton, who was unaware of Ali putting two fingers in a V-shape behind his head as he spoke, before the crowd's laughter let him in on the secret.

"No-one was ever more beautiful or brash or bright or powerful or fast in the ring. It was breathtaking.

"You thrilled us as a fighter and you inspired us even more as a force for peace and reconciliation, understanding and respect.

"As your body slowed down, your heart speeded up." .

The ceromony was attended actors Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jim Carrey and Chris Tucker, Sir David Frost, singers Hootie & The Blowfish, Kris Kristofferson and James Taylor and boxers Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis..

The 63-year-old Ali, who now suffers with Parkinson's Syndrome, is arguably the most well-known sportsman in the world..

His lightning reflexes and enormous power marked him out as a one-off in the heavyweight division, while his famous eloquence and wit kept the whole sporting world transfixed during his heyday..

Ali won the world heavyweight title three times - the only boxer to have done so - and his legendary fights with the likes of Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman have gone down in history..

But the fighter's fame transcended sport and his refusal to be enlisted into the US Army during the Vietnam War, a decision that cost him his title, made him a hero to millions around the globe..

"The centre is the culmination of a long dream for Muhammad," said Ali's wife, Lonnie. .

"We feel a circle in our lives has been completed..

"He saw great things for the centre under Muhammad's direction - we hope this centre becomes that beacon for the world..

The centre opens to the public on Monday.