Boxing legend Muhammad Ali died Friday evening in Phoenix, according to a press release from the family’s spokesperson, Bob Gunnell. Ali was 74 years old.
Ali was hospitalized Thursday with a respiratory issue. His family released a statement after his death, from CNN:
“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. The Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time.”
Ali has been battling Parkinson’s disease since the 1980s, which caused increased difficulty with movement and his speech. But Ali always remained a great spirit and impactful. The loss of Ali and what it means to the world can’t fully be put into words.
https://twitter.com/MuhammadAli/status/738953942634233856
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer ordered all flags at all city government buildings at half-staff, according to the Courier-Journal:
“As a boxer, he became The Greatest, though his most lasting victories happened outside the ring. Muhammad leveraged his fame as a platform to promote peace, justice and humanitarian efforts around the world, while always keeping strong ties to his hometown. Today, Muhammad Ali’s fellow Louisvillians join the billions whose lives he touched worldwide in mourning his passing, celebrating his legacy, and committing to continue his fight to spread love and hope.”
Many athletes have their signature moments, but it seems that nobody had more than Ali. Whether it was his rivalry with Joe Frazier, or his bouts with Sonny Liston, or George Foreman. Ali was truly one of the first forms of “must see television.”
But Ali was known for more than just his boxing excellence. He was outspoken against racism in America, his relationship with Howard Cosell, refusing to serve in the U.S. Army and fight in the Vietnam War for religious reasons, and his endless quotes that are still recited today.
The sports world has truly lost “The Greatest.”
