I first met Ali when I was the president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation, and his attorney convinced him to come to Chicago for our annual fund raiser. He was my hero because of his adherence to his principles and beliefs although diametrically opposed to mine, and his willingness to sacrifice everything to uphold them. I was awestruck when I first met him, but quickly experiences his gentleness and kindness. I didn’t know how to address him, and I asked whether I should call him Muhammad, or Mr. Ali, or what? He replied, “just call me Champ,” and that is what he was.