HERE is the man Muhammad Ali inspired to greatness when he picked him out from the crowd 25 years ago.

Scott Cameron was just five when he was picked up by boxing’s greatest at Basildon’s Festival Hall, in July 1986.

Ali was in town to support the American fighter Tim Wither-spoon, who picked Basildon as his training camp before a world heavyweight title fight with Frank Bruno.

The meeting led Scott to his own greatness as, at 18, he became a kick-boxing world champion.

Scott came forward to claim this picture in the Echo published last week, after an appeal by the photographer to trace the youngster who captivated Ali.

Scott, now 30, of Havengore, Pitsea, said: “I remember the whole thing as clear as day. We went to the hall because my family are huge boxing fans and Ali picked me up twice during the afternoon. It was amazing – a moment I have never forgotten.”

Scott was at the hall, which was on the site of the present Festival Leisure Park, with his dad and grandad when Ali picked him up.

Tony Smith, 61, of The Meads, Basildon, managed to capture the moment on his camera and brought it to the Echo, in the hope of tracking down Scott and giving him the picture as a gift.

Scott added: “We got some photos, but they are not as good as this one. I want to say a huge thank-you to Tony. It’s a great momento.”

Soon after meeting Ali, Scott started kickboxing classes. At 13, he became a southern area champion.

Scott said: “After meeting Ali it really inspired me to do well in sport. When Ali was holding me my grandad said ‘that is a champion holding a future champion’.

“My little girl Brooke, who is three, saw the photo in the paper and thought it was her.”

A delighted Mr Smith said: “I am really pleased that Scott came forward to claim the photo, I had it in my photo album for all these years and I just thought it would be nice to give the photo to the little boy who was in it. I shook Ali’s hand that day. It is a moment I will always remember.”