Billie Jean King pays tribute to late boxing legend Muhammad Ali on his 83rd birthday with emotional 'queen' anecdote

Tennis legend Billie Jean King commemorated what would have been the 83rd birthday of late boxing great Muhammad Ali. King recalled a cherished memory of Ali’s enduring respect for her, underscoring the profound connection between two of history’s most influential athletes.

Muhammad Ali, originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942. His boxing career is marked by numerous accolades, including three world heavyweight championships and an Olympic gold medal. Ali was not just a sports figure; he became a global icon for his activism and outspoken nature.

His conversion to Islam and his bold stance against the Vietnam War added layers to his legacy. Tragically, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome in 1984, which gradually took a toll on his health until his death on June 3, 2016.

On January 17, 2025, Billie Jean King posted a touching tribute on X (formerly Twitter) to honor her friend Ali's 83rd birthday. She fondly remembered their encounters and shared a personal anecdote, revealing how Ali, would often whisper in her ear, "Billie Jean, you're the queen."

"When Muhammad Ali and I would run into each other, he would whisper in my ear, "Billie Jean, you're the queen." Today, he would have turned 83. Remembering him today and always," King wrote.

---

Billie Jean King was honored with Sports Illustrated's Prestigious 2021 Muhammad Ali Legacy Award

In Picture: Billie Jean King (Image source: Getty)

Billie Jean King received the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award at the 2021 Sports Illustrated Awards, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on December 7, 2021.

First introduced in 2008 as the Sportsman Legacy Award, the honor was renamed as the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award in 2015. According to Sports Illustrated, the award recognizes a person whose commitment to the values of sportsmanship has endured over many years and whose athletic career has left a significant mark on the world.

King expressed that she was deeply honored to be selected as the recipient of the award.

"He (Muhammad Ali) really cared about people," she told SI.com. "And so, this is really an honor."

Reflecting on Ali's influence on her journey, King recalled how they often discussed this very topic whenever they crossed paths.

"Everyone's gotta do their part every single day," she said. "You never know how you are going to touch another person's life or how they are going to touch yours. So pay attention."

Past recipients of the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award include Allyson Felix (2022), LeBron James (2020), Warrick Dunn (2019), and John Cena (2018).