Muhammad Ali was an inspiration, a hero, to President Obama ... who praised the champ as the man "who fought for what was right."
The President rhapsodized about Ali ... quoting the champ who once said, "I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me -- black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own. Get used to me."
Sonny Liston.