Muhammad Ali, the American three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, whose death at the age of 74 was announced by his family on Saturday, will be remembered as a superstar in the ring – but also as cultural icon who touched the hearts of people around the world – including China. Ali made two important visits to the mainland during this lifetime, which effectively helped to end the Communist Party’s two-decade-long ban on the sport of boxing.

While the Klitschko brothers are known as champions of heavyweight boxing, the older brother Vitali is transforming himself into a politician that represents the new Ukraine. Formerly called “Doctor Ironfist,” Vitali is extending his heavyweight champion brand far beyond HBO sports audiences -- he has emerged as the international spokesperson for the pro-Western, pro-reform Ukraine. 

We learnt with disbelief yesterday that the world boxing title fight that was to be the first of its kind to be staged on Botswana soil has been postponed indefinitely for lack of funds...This world title fight would offer a rare opportunity to unfurl the banner of Botswana on the world stage, forever leveraging branding the country for all that it stands for.

The yellow gloves to promote unity against poverty aren't just a symbolic gesture. Neither was getting elected to congress in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao is celebrated like no other Filipino athlete. But his legacy may one day be more important for what he does outside the ring.