Muhammad Ali, the former world heavyweight boxing champion and one of sport’s most influential individuals, has died aged 74. Ali, who earned the nickname ‘The Greatest’, had suffered from Parkinson’s Disease since 1984.
Muhammad Ali remained hospitalized Friday in the Phoenix area, battling respiratory problems serious enough to draw family members to his bedside. Several of Ali’s daughters reportedly flew to Phoenix late Thursday and early Friday to be with their father.
Ali’s daughter Laila, herself a former boxer, posted an old photo to Facebook on Friday of her father holding her daughter, Sydney.
“Thank for all the love and well wishes,” Laila Ali wrote. “I feel your love and appreciate it!!”
World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid tribute to the “greatest of all time”.
Rip the greatest of all times in many different ways. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) June 4, 2016
Mike Tyson was among the first of a host of famous names and friends of Ali to pay tribute to him
God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP pic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016
Prime Minister David Cameron has tweeted his tribute to the boxer.
Muhammad Ali was not just a champion in the ring – he was a champion of civil rights, and a role model for so many people.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 4, 2016
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
Today my heart goes out to a pioneer, a true legend, and a hero by all means! Not a day went by… https://t.co/LKl0gI4inf
— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) June 4, 2016
