Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer who proclaimed himself “The Greatest” and was among the most famous and beloved athletes on the planet, died Friday in Phoenix, a family spokesman said.
Ali had been at a hospital since Thursday with what spokesman Bob Gunnell had described as a respiratory issue.
“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74.
The three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer died this evening,” Gunnell said in a statement. “The Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time.”
Ali’s daughter Hana Ali said her father was the a “humble mountain.”
Our father was a “Humble Mountain!” And now he has gone home to God. God bless you daddy. YOU ARE THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!
— Hana Ali (@Hanayali) June 4, 2016
— Muhammad Ali (@MuhammadAli) June 4, 2016
Friends and family have taken to twitter to express their grief for the indisputable champion.
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
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
God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP pic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016
Another hero gone. Rest In Power Muhummad Ali. The Greatest. pic.twitter.com/JO8EoaERD7
— Ice Cube (@icecube) June 4, 2016
Spent so much of my life preoccupied with Muhammad Ali; watching, reading, thinking and talking about him. I was one of millions.
— Max Kellerman (@Max_Kellerman) June 4, 2016
credit: CNN.COM