The Greatest kept residence in Michigan and had a history with hockey. For at least one night, he was a Red Wings fan.
It's Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup finals in Joe Louis Arena. Karen Newman is pushing out another standard rendition of the anthem, Al Sobatka is waving the ceremonial pre-game octopi, over 20,000 fans grow thunderous. More than enough adrenaline before puck drop versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, then you look up and see "The Greatest" cheering you on.
Seemingly lost in the seven year fog of the Wings heartbreaking Game 7 Stanley Cup loss to Pittsburgh was Muhammed Ali's surprise appearance, donned in a Red Wings jersey as a special motivational guest of Ilitches.