Ali joins Crystal on stage for 65th birthday

TEMPE, Ariz. – Muhammad Ali celebrated his 65th birthday Wednesday night watching his old friend Billy Crystal perform at Arizona State University.

The former heavyweight champion joined the comedian on stage, receiving a minute-long standing ovation from the crowd and a cake from Crystal’s wife.

“He’s been a truly great friend to me and a great friend to the world,” Crystal said.

“Please join me in singing happy birthday to the greatest senior citizen of all time.”

The nearly 2,000 people who came to see Crystal’s one-man show, “700 Sundays,” chanted “Ali! Ali! Ali!”

Crystal and Ali held up fists in a mock-stare down as Crystal’s wife Janice came out with a cake with one candle lit.

Ali dipped his finger in the cake and, arm in arm, the boxer and the comedian blew out the candle and walked off stage.