The image of Mohammad Ali in his prime is indelibly etched in the mind of anyone who saw him in the ring in his prime.  His devastating combination of speed, power and cunning will likely never be seen in the ring again.  His outspokenness on discrimination, Vietnam War and other issues on the front burner of society at the time he was heavy weight champion of the world also made him a figure whose influence gained him attention from supporters and detractors with little or no interest in the sport he dominated.  John Mellencamp qualifies as someone who appreciated Ali for what he accomplished both in and out of the ring.  Mellencamp's son, Huck, is an accomplished and ranked boxer (story), and John himself has never flinched about speaking out and performing on behalf of causes he believes in.  So it was fitting that Mellencamp would be invited to entertain the great boxer and the 350 invited guests at the center named in the fighter's honor in Louisville, KY over the weekend.  We haven't found anyone spilling details about what John played or had to say, but will pass it along if we come across it.
IrishTimes.com

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