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Boxing legend Muhammad Ali dies at 74
M
uhammad Ali, the former world heavyweight champion whose boxing feats, showmanship and political activism made him one of the best-known figures of the 20th century, died on Friday aged 74.
Ali, who had long suffered from Parkinson's syndrome which impaired his speech and made the once-graceful athlete almost a prisoner in his own body, died a day after he was admitted to a Phoenix-area hospital with a respiratory ailment. His youthful proclamation of himself as "the greatest" rang true for millions of people worldwide, who admired him for his courage both inside and outside the ring.
Along with a fearsome reputation as a fighter, he spoke out against racism, war and religious intolerance, while projecting an unshakeable confidence and humour that became a model for African-
Americans at the height of the civil rights era.
Stripped of his world boxing crown for refusing to join the US army and fight in Vietnam, Ali returned in triumph by recapturing the title and starring in some of the sport's most unforgettable duels. "Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest human beings I have ever met," said George Foreman, who lost to Ali in Zaire in a classic 1974 bout known as the "Rumble in the Jungle." "No doubt he was one of the best people to have lived in this day and age. To put him as a boxer is an injustice." US President Barack Obama said Ali was "a man who fought for us" and he placed him in the pantheon of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Junior and Nelson Mandela. "His fight outside the ring would cost him his title and his public standing. It would earn him enemies on the left and the right, make him reviled, and nearly send him to jail. But Ali stood his ground. And his
Worldwide tributes for Muhammad Ali "God came for his champion. So long great the imagination of everyone." - Australian one." - world heavyweight champion professional boxer Danny Green Mike Tyson "He was a better man then a sportsman "We were like one guy - part of me is gone. and as a sportsman he was the best RIP Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest may Allah have mercy on his soul and he human beings I have ever met. No doubt gets rewarded the highest place in jannah he was one of the best people to have lived (heaven)." - Australian professional in this day and age." - Two-time world boxer Anthony Mundine heavyweight champion George Foreman "It's a sad day for life, man. I loved "There will never be another Muhammad Ali. The black community all around the world, black people all around the world, needed him. He was the voice for us. He's the voice for me to be where I'm at today." Floyd Mayweather Jr, five division world champion
Muhammad Ali, he was my friend. Ali will never die. Like Martin Luther King his spirit will live on, he stood for the world." - Don King
"My mind, my heart and soul is devastated. I admired and imitated Ali. We must not forget his conviction and love." - Carl Lewis, double Olympic 100m champion and nine-times olympic gold medal winner, on Twitter Muhammad Ali "fought for what is right" and "shook up the world and the world is better for it" - US President Barack Obama.
"Muhammad Ali is dead at 74! A truly great champion and a wonderful guy. He will be missed by all!" - Donald Trump, "Muhammad Ali represents and symbolises Republican US presidential candidate greatness for all the world over. His "From the day he claimed the Olympic name and story will live on forever. RIP" gold medal in 1960, boxing fans across the "We lost a giant today. Boxing benefited Olympic gold medallist, Cathy Freeman world knew they were seeing a blend of from Muhammad Ali's talents but not nearly "The greatest there will ever be ... the beauty and grace, speed and strength that as much as mankind benefited from his may never be matched again." - President biggest and the best". - former England humanity." - Manny Pacquiao, Filipino Bill Clinton soccer star David Beckham, while boxing champion in eight weight posting a photo of himself meeting Ali "It's one thing to be abused by a film star classes and politician but to be abused by a man weighing 17 "The sporting universe has just suffered "A legend who transcended sport and stone who is the heavyweight champion a big loss. Muhammad Ali was my was a true champion for all." - Oscar De of the world, who would kill you with one friend, my idol, my hero. We spent many La Hoya, former world champion, on blow, your options are a bit limited." moments together and always kept a Twitter Michael Parkinson, who had a series of good connection throughout the years. famously explosive interviews with Ali "He was responsible for bringing the great The sadness is overwhelming." - Pele, sport of boxing to the masses. He captured Brazilian soccer great on Instagram