Muhammad Ali ‘should be first in line’ for knighthood

Campaigners seeking an honorary knighthood for Muhammad Ali said today he should be “first in line”, as new figures revealed that a rising number of the awards are being granted.

Figures released by Parliament show honorary knighthoods given to non-UK citizens almost doubled last year — with most going to business people, bureaucrats and politicians.

Officials are considering a nomination by ex-world heavyweight champion David Haye to give boxing legend Ali, 74, the honour. The call has been backed by names from politics, sport and showbusiness as well as 25,000 people who have signed a petition.

Tory MP Charlotte Leslie, who also sponsored the nomination, found that 21 honorary knighthoods were handed out last year, against 12 in 2014. Recipients included 13 foreign officials and politicians plus five business people.

Ms Leslie said: “I think most people would agree that if these individuals merit honorary knighthoods, then a figure as internationally inspiring and with so much support as Muhammad Ali should be first in line.”

The campaign comes as a major new exhibition into Ali’s life called I Am The Greatest is being held at the O2.

Non-UK nationals given an honorary knighthood include Bono, Terry Wogan, Steven Spielberg and Kevin Spacey.