Mo Farah backs 'legend' Muhammad Ali for knighthood

Mo Farah today threw his weight behind calls for Muhammad Ali to be given an honorary knighthood.

The double Olympic, European and world champion athlete backed the campaign to honour Ali as the boxer’s wife arrived in London to open a major exhibition dedicated to his life.

Lonnie Ali said it was “humbling” there was still such widespread support for her husband, known simply as “The Greatest”.

A petition started by former British world heavyweight champion David Haye, calling for Ali, 74, to be given the honorary knighthood, now has more than 21,000 signatories.

Farah, 32, who made history by winning double gold at the 2012 London Olympics, said: “Muhammad Ali is a legend, in every way, and he thoroughly deserves this honour.”

Mayor Boris Johnson, Sir Bob Geldof, champion boxer Anthony Joshua and comedian John Bishop are among those backing the call.

Ali had been due to open the O2’s I Am The Greatest show tomorrow himself. Lonnie, who came instead due to his ill health, today said she hoped he would make it to the exhibition before it closes in August.

Asked about the enduring interest in her husband, she told BBC radio: “It is astounding. It is humbling actually. But Muhammad was larger than life, and he is still larger than life.

“Throughout his career and throughout his life, he’s touched so many lives, so many people, in such a warm-hearted way that they love him.” Previous recipients of an honorary knighthood, given to non-UK nationals, include Bono, the late Terry Wogan and Steven Spielberg.

MPs from across the political spectrum have already backed the move to honour Kentucky-born Ali, with more coming forward every day.

Leicester West MP Liz Kendall said there was no one more deserving: “He has achieved so much, is a role model to people across the world and has stood true to his principles.”

Advertising guru Trevor Beattie also revealed he has loaned his own multi-million-pound collection of Ali memorabilia to the O2 exhibition.

They include Ali’s training robe from his last fight and the gloves he wore to trade blows with Henry Cooper in London in 1963.