Bob Geldof backs Muhammad Ali knighthood

Ali: A campaign for the fighter has been backed by Bob Geldof
Central Press/Getty Images

Band Aid legend Bob Geldof today threw his weight behind the campaign to award an honorary knighthood to Muhammad Ali.

The backing of the Irish rock star, himself a recipient of the honour, comes after a raft of other celebrities, politicians and sports people called for the move.

Speaking to the Standard, he said: “Muhammad Ali is one of the great men of honour and God knows there’s few enough of those.

“I whole-heartedly support the campaign to give him an Honorary Knighthood.”

It comes as the legendary boxer is due in London within days to open a major new exhibition into his life.

Ex-world heavyweight champion David Haye first set up the petition urging Prime Minister David Cameron to back the Honorary Knighthood.

Since then some 18,500 people have given their support, as have the likes of London Mayor Boris Johnson, champion boxer Anthony Joshua, comedian John Bishop and singer Foxes.

A raft of MPs from across the political spectrum have also already given their backing to the move, with more coming forward every day.

Muhammad Ali - In pictures

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Shadow International Development Secretary Diane Abbott, also Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP, said: “He has always been a hero of mine. There can be no-one more deserving of a Honorary Knighthood.”

Former SNP leader Alex Salmond said the Knighthood would be “important and appropriate recognition”, while Liberal Democrat Norman Lamb said it would be “a wonderful reward for an amazing life”.

Conservative Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes said: “He is called the greatest not just for his past use of his boxing gloves and words, but his service to good causes.

“It is time for him to be honoured.”

Previous recipients of an Honorary Knighthood given to non-UK nationals include Bono, the late Terry Wogan, Steven Spielberg and Kevin Spacey.

The O2’s I Am The Greatest exhibition opening March 4 will tell Ali’s story from his humble beginnings in Kentucky to becoming one of the most recognisable figures of the 20th Century.

To back the petition visit Change.org

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