Back in the sixties came a new type of fighter
Quick on the jab and on the feet much lighter
Gift of the gab and possessed of sharp wit
He was intelligent and smart and truly super fit
Then he struck Olympic gold and arrived on the scene
And for the champ Sonny Liston was he really then keen
What followed was a show that's now golden history
When he stung like a bee and claimed his victory
A legend has been born so gifted and unique
Dazzling to watch with so perfect a technique
Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee
Boxing looked so easy natural and free
As heavyweight champ for years he reigned supreme
And other challengers could only thereon dream
Then along came Vietnam, but his principles were firm
Yet the boxing powers, they ended his long term
Smokin' Joe became the champ as they left him in the wild
Then their famous fight and Joe it was who smiled
It was tough and bruising with Ali going down
Frazier won on points and so did hold his crown
A legend has been born so gifted and unique
Dazzling to watch with so perfect a technique
Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee
Boxing looked so easy natural and free
What followed was a twist as emerged a fearsome puncher
George Foreman bounced old Joe through the Caribbean cruncher
The boxing world was awed as Foreman seemed invincible
Kenny Norton was then mauled and Ali told be sensible
But the greatest never shy when the gauntlet is thrown
And the 'Rumble In The Jungle' seeds were truly then sown
Foreman was cleverly tamed in round number eight
By an Ali one two that sealed his written fate
The awesome hurdle overcome and all those doubts were then removed
Through it all he stayed steadfast as his faith remained unmoved
A legend has been born so gifted and unique
Dazzling to watch with so perfect a technique
Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee
Boxing looked so easy natural and free
Then the 'Thrilla In Manila' and others to just pass time
And he retired at the top but returned past his prime
There's never been another with the charisma and the style
That stayed at the top for a long and fruitful while
Boxing came alive whenever he joined the ring
Money poured in that his presence did just bring
Affected now by Parkinson's yet his legacy forever glows
Muhammed we all miss you as this tribute warmly shows
A legend has been born so gifted and unique
Dazzling to watch with so perfect a technique
Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee
Boxing looked so easy natural and free

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