Muhammad Ali has died aged 74, a family spokesperson has confirmed.
The one-time world heavyweight boxing champ – probably the most famous sportsperson the world has ever known – passed away at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, after being admitted on Thursday. He had been suffering from a respiratory problem, an illness complicated by his Parkinson’s disease, and was on life support for the past 24 hours.
https://twitter.com/MuhammadAli/status/730529190391468036
In a statement, the World Boxing Association described Ali as a “boxing legend, [who] was a social fighter and an honourable man. He was an outstanding committed athlete, who gave the best in the ring, a man who became world champion as well as a role model and inspiration for many young people. He defended his ideals and he believed in a better society. The whole world mourns the death of the man who became a [hallmark] of defence and speed in boxing. Rest in peace.”
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, there will only ever be one Muhammad Ali. pic.twitter.com/Yl6K2sZsRF
— colin murray (@ColinMurray) June 4, 2016
The sad news has produced an enormous outpouring of reaction and tributes from leading figures across all fields. His former opponent George Foreman led the way:
Ralph Ali, Frazier & Foreman we were 1 guy. A part of me slipped away, "The greatest piece" https://t.co/xVKOc9qtub
— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) June 4, 2016
It's been said it was Rope a dope, Ali beat me with no his beauty that beat me. Most beauty I've know loved him pic.twitter.com/G64WX3eyZC
— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) June 4, 2016
Until Ali no one said "I'm beautiful" he was royalty, yet common man was his pal. That is beauty. Greatest kind pic.twitter.com/uX7htKHrGc
— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) June 4, 2016
Ali’s daughter Laila posted these pictures to her Facebook account over the last few days:
Here are some more of the amazing tributes to the man, which highlight his sporting skill, as well as his wit, humour, verbal jabs, and principled stands against war and racism.
A true great has left us. @MuhammadAli transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit. pic.twitter.com/ByNZYhM2ro
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) June 4, 2016
Not just the greatest boxer of all time. The greatest trash talker EVER. RIP Ali ♡ #MuhammadAlihttps://t.co/QJ4EM88DDb
— abdul 🌌📷 (@Advil) June 4, 2016
God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP pic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016
Rest In Peace Muhammad Ali. Inspiration in and out of the ring. Loved his character/personality #peopleschamp #goat pic.twitter.com/aYWacyxwKN
— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) June 4, 2016
Muhammad Ali represents and symbolises greatness for all the world over. His name and story will live on forever. RIP!
— Cathy Freeman (@CathyFreeman) June 4, 2016
RIP @muhammadali, a legend who transcended sport and was a true champion for all. #thegreatest #MuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/vjmXlXaHip
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) June 4, 2016
How cool was Muhammad Ali? The only guy to fight even Superman to a draw. RIP. pic.twitter.com/i56YonEe9x
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) June 4, 2016
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." RIP #TheGreatest pic.twitter.com/rg86mik9I4
— jack (@jack) June 4, 2016
Muhammad Ali has passed away.
This is his legendary quote on why he refused to serve in the murderous Vietnam War. pic.twitter.com/9NNmWNztAI— Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) June 4, 2016
Anti-racism, anti-war, master of the verbal jab, incredible athlete, icon of hope for the opressed. RIP Muhammad Ali pic.twitter.com/guSQQjexLb
— Z (@zubairsay) June 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/738809830521982976
https://twitter.com/doncandon/status/738980967113592832
The Guardian’s video obituary is well worth a watch:
The mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, where Ali was born, is planning this tribute for Saturday:
To honor Muhammad Ali's life & work, flags at all Metro Government facilities will be lowered to half-staff at 10am pic.twitter.com/Qm5xjkk6qr
— Greg Fischer (@GregFischerLou) June 4, 2016
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, 17 January 1942 – 3 June 2016
https://twitter.com/MuhammadAli/status/738953942634233856
