The New York City street outside Madison Square Garden, where the late world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali once fought, has been temporarily renamed to honor his passing.
A small rectangular green sign reads “Muhammad Ali Way” was put up at West 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue on June 7 in memory of the late boxing legend.
Ali died on June 3 of septic shock at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 74 years old.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, who announced the temporary sign, said “Ali never backed down from a fight in or outside the ring,” adding, “Because The World’s Most Famous Arena hosted some of Muhammad Ali’s greatest fights within the ring, including the ‘Fight of the Century’ against Joe Frazier in 1971, he deserves this naming honor and more.”
Temporary street signs generally last for only a couple of days.
Asim of New Jersey, who took a picture of the street sign said, “I remembered Ali to be a great fighter, great person, who did a lot for everybody.”
Ali fought eight times at the Garden, and is survived by his fourth wife, Lonnie, and nine children, including daughter Laila, who is a world champion boxer, like her father.
Ali’s funeral will be held on June 10 at the KFC Yum! Center.
