Boxing champion Ali adds Morocco's top honour to his trophies

King Hassan II has awarded former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali one of Morocco's top honours. During a ceremony on Thursday night in the Moroccan capital Rabat, Ali also received a copy of a cassette recording of the Koran.

The order of the Commander of the Arch is one of Morocco's most prestigious.

Ali, 54, arrived in Morocco earlier this week to attend religious ceremonies and discussions in celebration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. He also opened a friendly football match between Morocco and Angola by kicking the first ball.

During the four-day visit, Ali, founder of the charity Global Village Champion, was to visit several orphanages and humanitarian organisations which help children.

- AP, Rabat