The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed that late boxing legend Muhammad Ali was one of his heroes and a major source of inspiration during his boxing days.
Adeboye said the legendary heavyweight champion taught him valuable lessons about strategy, resilience and winning battles, lessons he has continued to apply in life.
The RCCG leader spoke on Sunday during a sermon titled “Divine Champion” at the church’s headquarters in Lagos, ahead of the RCCG’s 74th Annual Convention.
According to Church Times, Adeboye also declared that this year’s convention would be the best yet.
Recalling his days as a boxer, Adeboye said Ali’s ability to psychologically unsettle opponents before fights taught him the importance of strategy and preparation.
He said Ali would often taunt his opponents before entering the ring, making them angry and emotionally unstable before the fight began.
Adeboye recalled how Ali used the tactic against former heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, saying Liston became so furious that he entered the fight determined to land a punch on Ali.
For Adeboye, however, the lesson went beyond boxing.
He said life itself was a battle in which people needed the right guide, warning Christians not to rely solely on their own understanding.
“When you are going through the battle of life, you had better have God by your side,” he said.
Adeboye stressed that human beings cannot always know the true intentions, abilities or hidden affiliations of those around them, making divine guidance essential.
He urged Christians to remain close to Christ, whom he described as the ultimate coach capable of teaching people how to navigate life’s battles.
“You need Christ. He gives wisdom to the wise. You need Christ to become a champion. You need a good coach,” he said.
The cleric also drew a line between ordinary friendship and true mentorship, saying a good coach pushes a person beyond their present achievements.
According to him, while a friend may accept someone as they are, a good coach constantly challenges them to become better.
He described Jesus as the best coach anyone could have, urging believers to remain prayerful even after experiencing victory.
Adeboye further recalled advice from his own boxing coach on how to recover after being knocked down.
He said his trainer taught him not to rush back to his feet after a fall, but to use the moment to recover, think and restrategise before rising again.
The RCCG leader used the lesson to encourage Christians facing difficult moments, saying falling or making mistakes does not make anyone a failure.
He urged believers to keep praying even when answers appear delayed, stressing that persistence and faith are vital to becoming a true champion.
According to Adeboye, victory is ultimately measured by the ability to rise after every setback and complete life’s journey.
“A true champion is the one who laughs last—not someone who never makes mistakes,” he said.
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