The day Muhammad Ali fought in Peru and ate grilled chicken [PHOTOS]

Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time, passed away last Friday at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, after suffering from a severe respiratory infection. The three-time heavyweight champion had millions of followers around the world. And especially in Peru, after his memorable visit in 1971.

That year, it had been a short time since Muhammad Ali's suspension was lifted. The boxer had been suspended for several years for refusing to fight for the United States in the Vietnam War, so he was just recovering his boxing peak.

Fernando Duarte, president of the Peruvian Boxing Federation, personally went to Jorge Chávez International Airport on September 18 to pick up Muhammad Ali, who arrived in Lima with his trainer Angelo Dundee, Al Johnson (sparring partner), and Peruvian manager Álex Valdez.

During those days, Muhammad Ali met with the press, attended the Mamacona Cockfighting Coliseum, and even dared to eat rotisserie chicken with his hands. "I fear the taxes of my country's government more than Joe Frazier's left hand," he said about the fight he lost earlier that year.

On September 21, 1971, Muhammad Ali would enter the ring at the National Stadium, where he would face Al Johnson face to face for five rounds. In the following five rounds, he would face the Peruvian Guillermo 'Willy' de la Cruz. At the end of the fight, they embraced each other while the police held back the crowd from invading the ring. An unforgettable memory for all Peruvians.

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