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The Little-Known Tale Of A Life Saved By Muhammad Ali

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In January of 1981, Muhammad Ali's heroics made all of the difference in saving a man's life. (AFP/Getty Images)
In January of 1981, Muhammad Ali's heroics made all of the difference in saving a man's life. (AFP/Getty Images)

When it was announced that Muhammad Ali had died last week, it seemed as though everyone — not just those of us in the boxing world, not just those of us in the sports world — had a story they wanted to share about how Ali had meant something special to them.

One story few had heard before, however, caught our attention. More than just a champion in the ring, Ali became a hero of the people, time and time again, for many reasons throughout his life. But in January of 1981, Ali's heroics made all of the difference in saving a man's life.

Bruce Hagerty, then a police sergeant in the LAPD, was in command 35 years ago at the time crisis struck. He remembers Ali being there to help. Without him, things might have turned out differently.

"He was kind of the last resort," Hagerty says. "I didn't have any more tools in my toolbox. And he was kind of a gift."

Bruce Hagerty tells the story of Muhammad Ali's heroics, In His Own WordsTo hear the full story, click the play button below the headline at the top of the page.

This segment aired on June 11, 2016.

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Alex Schroeder Digital Producer, On Point
Alex Schroeder is a digital producer for On Point.

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