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.”
https://twitter.com/ColinMurray/status/738983262224289792
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:
https://twitter.com/GeorgeForeman/status/738952710364352512
https://twitter.com/GeorgeForeman/status/738976875440021504
https://twitter.com/GeorgeForeman/status/738985710137409537
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.
https://twitter.com/BobArum/status/738951427951726593
https://twitter.com/Advil/status/738952251679465472
https://twitter.com/MikeTyson/status/738957087477227521
https://twitter.com/JarrydHayne/status/738957121782321157
https://twitter.com/CathyFreeman/status/738957047157293056
https://twitter.com/OscarDeLaHoya/status/738964013812469760
https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar/status/738982625004621824
https://twitter.com/jack/status/738951538375155714
https://twitter.com/BenjaminNorton/status/738963570260619264
https://twitter.com/zubairsay/status/738982797671550976
https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/738809830521982976
https://twitter.com/doncandon/status/738980967113592832
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpFiZDqcog
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:
https://twitter.com/louisvillemayor/status/738950712697094144
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, 17 January 1942 - 3 June 2016
https://twitter.com/MuhammadAli/status/738953942634233856
