Leipzig, Nov 29: Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali boosted Leipzig's bid for the 2012 Olympic games while on a tour of the country promoting his book GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Ali was in the former East German city on the invitation of Mike De Vries, who heads the city's bid.

The wife of Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, said on his behalf: "I wish Leipzig a lot of success. Leipzig is a wonderful city and I'm happy to be here."

De Vries said to Ali: "You give hope to the people here and the whole of the Leipzig region that the city can win the right to host the 2012 Olympics."

Ali, who started out as Cassius Clay, was world heavyweight boxing champion from 1964 to 1967 when he was stripped of his title for refusing to fight in the Vietnam war.

In 1974 he became the first boxer to regain the title when he upset previously invincible George Foreman in their 'rumble in the jungle' in Kinshasa. More recently, a shaking Ali moved the world as he lit the flame to commence the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta.

On Thursday, Ali received a Bambi 2003 Award, which honours German and international success in different areas, including sport, politics and entertainment.

Leipzig faces competition from Paris, Havana, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Moscow, New York and Rio de Janeiro for the 2012 Summer games. Bureau Report