Muhammad Ali receives Liberty Medal for humanitarian role

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Retired boxing great Muhammad Ali has been awarded the Liberty Medal in Philadelphia for his longtime role as a fighter outside the ring for humanitarian causes, civil rights and religious freedom.

The award was presented in a ceremony at the National Constitution Center on Thursday.

A frail Ali did not speak, but stood with assistance to receive the medal from his daughter, Laila. His wife Lonnie said Ali was honored and humbled to be a beacon of liberty.

Since hanging up his gloves in 1981, Ali has traveled extensively on international charitable missions and devoted his time to social causes.