Geoffrey Ewing’s portrayal of the boxing legend Muhammad Ali was “better than the movie” said Michelle Williams, a sophomore sociology major, at Wednesday’s lecture in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Around 35 people attended the hour-long performance titled “A Tribute To The Greatest,” which began at 8 p.m.

Scenes form Ewing’s one-man play “Ali,” which he co-wrote and starred in, were part of his lecture.

“I began doing this because I wanted people to have a better understanding of the person Ali is and because I have a great respect for him and what he has done for the world,” Ewing said.

Ewing is an accomplished actor who was a recipient of the OBIE award, which recognizes excellence in Off-Broadway theatre, and the AUDELCO award, which acknowledges excellence in black theatre.

“The performance was high energy and different than most speeches,” said Kevin Geist, a junior special education major.

While Ewing’s lecture demanded a level of seriousness about Ali’s life, he used a comical angle to deliver his message.

Entering the Grand Ballroom in character, Ewing reveals that Ali is a man that rolls with the punches life throws his way.

“Ali is a living legend and his life is a spiritual journey,” Ewing said.

The presentation reenacted Ali’s triumphs and struggles, from his World Championship title to the controversy over his religion and refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.

Ewing introduced his audience to the man behind the gloves, explaining that Ali is a patron of equality.

Along with defining the Champ’s life, Ewing also gave a literal meaning to the name Muhammad Ali; Muhammad meaning “worthy of all praise” and Ali, meaning “most high.”

“I learned a lot about Ali that I didn’t know and I’ve gained a respect for him by attending the lecture,” said Williams.

Ewing ended his presentation with the words of The Great, “I want folks to remember how pretty I was.”