COUNTY NEWS: Sussex pays its respects to Muhammad Ali

By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2016, 10:26 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:43 BST
The mural outside in central St LeonardsThe mural outside in central St Leonards
The mural outside in central St Leonards
Sussex has paid its respects to boxing legend Muhammad Ali since his death last Friday (June 3).

A large mural has been painted on the wall of a Shelter charity shop dedicated in his memory.

Stuart Purgailis, manager of the Royal Hotel in St Leonards, has also created a memorial to Ali with the help of his regulars.

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He said: “We have got a number of people from Hastings and st Leonards Ex-Boxers’ Association who come to the pub regularly and they put some money together for the memorial. We then got some flowers for the tribute.

Stuart Purgailis, landlord of the Royal Hotel in St Leonards paying tribute to Muhammad Ali. SUS-160706-121257001Stuart Purgailis, landlord of the Royal Hotel in St Leonards paying tribute to Muhammad Ali. SUS-160706-121257001
Stuart Purgailis, landlord of the Royal Hotel in St Leonards paying tribute to Muhammad Ali. SUS-160706-121257001

“Ali was a role model for a lot of people because he had the commitment and power to stand up for his beliefs.

“He stood up against the Vietnam War, refusing to fight in Vietnam. Because of this he was stripped of his boxing titles.

“Ali was a great ambassador for the rights not only of black people but for everyone. He was brave enough to put himself at risk so we think he deserves a fitting tribute.

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