Thousands Of Bees Swarm Mural Outside Muhammad Ali’s Childhood Home Bearing His Famous ‘Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee Quote’

By Mojisola Delano Last updated Jun 6, 2016

The bees swarmed near a mural with Ali's iconic quote: 'Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee' (pictured) — The bees swarmed near a mural with Ali’s iconic quote: ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’ (pictured)

Of the long list of famous quotes to be spoken by Muhammad Ali in his lifetime, arguably the most famous came just before his 1974 fight with George Foreman.

As a 22-year-old ready to take on ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ against George Foreman, Ali spouted the timeless quote: ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.’

The words are now etched into a wall outside the childhood home of The Greatest in Louisville, Kentucky, who died on June 3.

A swarm of 15,000 bees gathered near a memorial for Mohammad Ali in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky

As memorials piled in from devastated fans and admires, there was an unexpected – seemingly divine tribute: thousands of bees.

‘The irony is not lost on me at all,’ said beekeeper Kevin McKinney, who was called out to control the swarm.

Approximately 15,000 bees clung to a tree near the mural, as if to celebrate Ali’s life and his perennial quote.

Flowers, balloons and boxing gloves have been left by the fans remembering Ali at the former home, which is now a historical landmark.

But only the bees could give The Greatest a send off that defied convention.

Fans of the late Muhammad Ali, the former world heavyweight boxing champion, have left personal mementos at the home where the bees have swarmed

Ali, pictured in 1962, died on June 3rd after a years-long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 74 years old — Ali, pictured in 1962, died on June 3rd after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 74 years old

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