Atlanta

Stylist who cut Muhammad Ali's hair remembers him days after his death

By Rikki Klaus

Greg Moses says cutting Ali’s hair was a career changer

By Rikki Klaus
The young Atlanta hair stylist who cut boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s hair during the 1996 Olympics says it’s a moment he will never forget.
Ali died Friday night, but his memory lives on across the world.
Greg Moses says cutting Ali’s hair during the summer Olympics was a career changer. He was just 25 years old when he was invited to meet “The Greatest.”
“The man was a giant,” Moses said.
Moses cut Ali’s goddaughter’s hair and says Ali’s wife admired her hair so much, she went to Moses too.
“She just loved her hair. She loved her hair,” he said.
Moses said during one appointment, she asked if he would cut her husband’s hair.
“I said, ‘Of course I will,’” Moses said.
So he went up to the presidential suite at the Ritz Carlton. He says he stood in awe of the boxer and humanitarian known as “the people’s champion” as Ali’s wife introduced him.
“’He’s here to do your hair.’ And when she said that, he (shook his head profusely),” Moses said. “He reached out to shake my hand, and he did a magic trick on me. Then he balled his (fists) like he wanted to knock me out, and I was like, ‘Hey, hey, hold on. That’s OK.’”
Then Moses brought out the scissors. He says at one point, Ali closed his eyes and relaxed. Moses said Ali went to the bathroom after the cut and thoroughly examined his hair from all angles.
“He come out of the restroom, and he looked at me. He said, ‘You’re the greatest,’” Moses said.
It was an unforgettable compliment from the boxer known as “The Greatest.” The stylist said it’s the most memorable cut of his career.
“Nothing compares to servicing Muhammad Ali. Nothing, nothing would never ever compare to that,” he said.
Moses said he will be going to Ali’s funeral in Kentucky on Friday. It’s open to the public. Former President Bill Clinton, the Turkish president and Jordan’s king are all expected to speak.

Cox Media Group

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