Phoenix unveils Muhammad Ali Way on 3rd anniversary of legend’s death

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix proclaimed Monday to be “Muhammad Ali Day” and named a street after the boxing legend and Valley philanthropist on the third anniversary of his death.

Ali’s widow, Lonnie, was among the dignitaries at a ceremony to reveal Muhammad Ali Way street signs on what had been Merrell Street between Central and Third avenues.

“We are very, very proud, as I know Muhammad is as well,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM after the ceremony.

The street is part of the Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center campus, home of the Barrow Neurological Institute’s Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, where the beloved boxer known as “The Greatest” was both founder and patient.

And there it is, one known as West Merrell Street is now, Muhammad Ali Way! @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/9z58tuHHdQ

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) June 3, 2019

Lonnie Ali said the center provides the same level of care for all patients, “regardless of their ability to pay,” that the three-time heavyweight champion of the world received.

“So when you see Muhammad Ali Way, it will be done Muhammad Ali’s way,” she said.

Ali, who lived the final decade of his celebrated life in Paradise Valley, died June 3, 2016, in a Scottsdale hospital at age 74.

He founded the Parkinson’s treatment and research center in 1997. It grew to prominence in part because of funds raised through Celebrity Fight Night, the annual charity event still held every year in Phoenix.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923