First we lose Muhammad Ali, then we lose Kimbo Slice, in a week that has seen the death of two fighting heroes. There is nothing you can say about Ali that hasn't already been said a million times by a million different people (touching personal anecdotes notwithstanding). While we were all still in mourning for the fall of a legend, we get hit tonight with the devastating news about Mr Slice. Kimbo revolutionized the art of punching people in the face on YouTube for money. There may never be a greater hero in the backyards of America knocking out idiots for cash. His substantial impact upon American culture will never die, even if he has.
With Ali, we all knew this was coming. His health had been deteriorating before our eyes for decades. If anything we were fortunate that he lived as long as he did, but his time had come. Kimbo on the other hand was taken from us in his prime, while he still had so much left to give. His contribution to the world of Mixed Martial Arts goes without saying. It was what it was. He did what he did despite his advanced age. Had he become a professional fighter as a younger man, there is no doubt in my mind that he could have been the greatest champion in UFC history (GSP multiplied by a thousand), but we'll never know. All we can do is speculate, rejoice in remembering his accomplishments, and mourn what the world has lost this week.
Kimbo Slice, Rest In Peace
Oh yeah, and Muhammad Ali too...
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