Back in 2009 a lot of the murals on the Reynolds Way wall were replaced. The originals had been subjects chosen by local young people in 2002, including a St George Flag, a Saky Tag, and a picture of Muhammed Ali. Ali was well remembered down that way because he used to visit a house in Saxton Road to see an old friend and supporter.
Perhaps there should be a road sign or something in his memory, not just a makeshift poster on the back of a telephone box.
(Thanks to Martin for the link in the comments. Here are pictures of Muhammed Ali in Abingdon from the BBC.)
That day the car with MA stopped my sister on the Oxford Rd and asked the way to Saxton Rd!One of her small claims to fame.
I think it’s a measure of the man that he made and pursued relationships in a (to a black American superstar) obscure, at the time very white and very traditional, English market town. Boxing, and the wider martial arts can do wonders in terms of positive self development and should be given every encouragement. So yes, Abingdon should do something permanent to remember him. Here, hopefully, is a link to a BBC article of photos of his trips to see his friends in Abingdon (if it doesn’t work, it’s still on the Oxford bit of the news website as of today) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-16630467
my brother once got his autograph when he visited saxton road.
inevitably i now cant find it despite it being on display in the house for years – damn!
A great man of principle.
Perhaps Abingdon should have its own “Blue Plaque” scheme? There are lots of people connected to Abingdon that made a difference in the world, war heros, politicians, academics etc, ?