MUHAMMAD ALI & DAVID BECKHAM PRESENT AWARD TOGETHER IN LONDON

David beckham paying tribute to muhammad Ali in London

England's soccer icon. David Beckham met Boxing legend, United States of America's very own Muhammad Ali in London tonight to recognise the “service, leadership, and action in the community” of Afghan refugee Matiullah Haidar, 19, at a charity awards.

70 year old Ali, who now looks frail and wearing dark glasses, presented Matiullah with the inaugural Beyond Sport award, which is supported by the Greatest’s own charitable foundation.

Matiullah lost most of his family in the conflict in Afghanistan five years ago, came to the UK as a refugee,  with just clothes on his back now coaches sport and supports those in a similar position to himself as a skilled translator.

Before the event Muhammad’s wife, Lonnie Ali, said: 

“My husband’s whole life has been an embodiment of the struggle for survival, change and justice, and he has used the power of sport to change lives and attitudes around the world.

“There are echoes of Muhammad’s life in each of the stories of the youngsters short-listed for this award."

Olympic Ambassador David Beckham led the tributes to Ali, saying: 

“He is one of the most inspirational sportsmen of all time.

“He is a global icon, and he has touched so many lives.

"It is a true honour to join with him to present the Generation Ali Beyond Sport Award to one of this incredible group of young people.”

As part of the programme, he and his fellow award nominees will be flown by British Airways to the Yankee Stadium in New York later this year.

His close family were killed by the Taliban, but he found work as translator with a cricket project here, and is now helping to coach young people.

The shortlist for the Award included a former gang member and ex-convict now coaching football; a young man who lost his family in the conflict in Afghanistan and now coaches and translates for other refugees; a young woman who helps Muslim girls take part in sport; and a former gang member who has escaped a long history of family gang membership in his home town to become a successful coach.