Ali receives royal treatment

Ali thrilled the fans

Boxing great Muhammad Ali took centre stage on the opening day of the Olympic boxing tournament.

The former world champion, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, walked over to the ringside much to the delight of the legion of fans who made clamoured around the legend to take photos at any available opportunity.

The 58-year-old approached former opponent Joe Bugner, who he hugged and kissed before taking his seat.

The vast crowd chanted "Ali, Ali" during the opening session of the boxing as the autograph hunters and photographers chose to mob the former boxer instead of watching the action.

Ali, who won the 1960 light-heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Rome Games under the name of Cassius Clay, lit the Atlanta flame four years ago.