Muhammad Ali honored in his Kentucky hometown (The Associated Press)

Muhammad Ali won another round of love and appreciation for his achievements as a fighter in and out of the ring. The latest celebration of the three-time world heavyweight champion and self-proclaimed ”Greatest Of All Time” featured former champions and Larry Holmes and George Foreman, two notable erstwhile opponents who gladly came to honor Ali on Thursday night in his Kentucky hometown. Friends, associates, dignitaries and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal also were on hand for the ceremony on the 40th anniversary of Ali’s third fight with Joe Frazier in the Philippines, an epic 14-round battle known as the ”Thrilla in Manila.” Ali earned his second victory over Frazier when the former champion didn’t come out for the final round, and that fight is considered one of the greatest events in boxing and sports.