EVERYONE remembers Mohammed Ali's Rumble in the Jungle' and Thriller in Manila' but how many Messenger readers recall his Grand Unveil of the Arndale'?

Mohammed Ali was 65 in January and to celebrate we appealed to people to send in their memories and photographs of the day he visited Stretford Mall.

The man, recognised by many as the greatest sporting figure of the twentieth century, ensured the shopping centre became the theatre of dreams for one day when he visited three months after its official opening in 1969.

"Ali's signature is in our visitor's book but although the centre holds lots of photos of events throughout the years one can not be traced of this visit," said Stretford Mall's assistant manager, Lorraine Satterthwaite.

"The shopping centre brought Stretford in to the 1970s and was given the official finishing touches on April 30, 1969 when Mayor Matthews unveiled a plaque.

"Approximately three months later the second phase, which is now called Broady Street Mall, was launched.

"Safeway, then a large American company, opened where Boots is now and Mohammed Ali attended as their special guest to cut the ribbon."

At the time of his visit Ali was in the boxing wilderness after refusing to fight in the Vietnam War.

But the year after his visit to Trafford he was reinstated and went on to become the first person to win the heavyweight title of the world three times.

If you witnessed Ali float like a butterfly' and sting like a bee' post your comments below...