The man simply known as "The Greatest" was given a top honour for his work outside the ring. Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was given the Liberty Medal for his long-time role in helping humanitarian causes, civil rights and religious freedom.

Hundreds gathered on the lawn of the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia to watch the three-time heavyweight title-holder receive an honor that his wife called "overwhelming."

The 70-year-old retired champ, hobbled by a three-decade long battle with Parkinson's disease, did not speak but stood with assistance to receive the medal from his daughter. Ali received the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2005.

He also has established the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Centre in Phoenix and a namesake educational and cultural institute in his hometown, Louisville, Kentucky.

Boxing great Muhammad Ali (C) is awarded the Liberty Medal by his daughter Laila (R), as his wife Lonnie looks on, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 13, 2012. [Reuters]

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