Phoenix (Arizona), June 4: Legendary former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali passed away on June 4 (Saturday) at a hospital here.
Ali was The Greatest; Indians pay tributes
74-year-old Ali, the greatest boxers of all time, was hospitalised following respiratory problems, the spokesman for his family said.
Ali's fame transcended sport during a remarkable heavyweight boxing career that spanned three decades.
Ali, who suffered from Parkinson's disease for decades, spent most of his time in recent years at his residence because city's warm climate made it easier for him to manage the illness.
Concern for the three-time heavyweight world champion had grown throughout Friday amid reports that his respiratory trouble was complicated by the Parkinson's that had left the fighter called "The Greatest" increasingly frail.
Known globally not only for his storied ring career but also for his civil rights activism, Ali had been hospitalised multiple times in recent years.
Considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight in boxing history, Ali has remained active in charity programs and continued to travel internationally despite his health problems.
RIP Muhammad Ali who taught us that real champions know no colour and never accept failure.The world is poorer without your glorious energy
— vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) June 4, 2016
He spent time in hospital in 2014 after suffering a mild case of pneumonia and again in 2015 for a urinary tract infection. His Parkinson's, thought to be linked to the thousands of punches he took during a brutal career studded by bruising battles inside the ropes, had limited his public speaking for years.
But he continued to make appearances and offer opinions through his family members and spokespeople. His last public appearance was in April at an event to raise funds for charitable organisations in Arizona.
No one will ever come close. Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. Rest in peace Muhammad Ali. pic.twitter.com/3a0O6OIYYC
— LA Reid (@LA_Reid) June 4, 2016
In April, he attended a Celebrity Fight Night Dinner in Phoenix that raised funds for treatment of Parkinson's. In December, he issued a statement rebuking US presidential hopeful Donald Trump's call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States.
"Muhammad Ali transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit," said longtime boxing promoter Bob Arum.
"His legacy will be part of our history for all time.
1960s Olympic light-heavyweight medal winners:Muhammad Ali then Cassius Clay, Z Pietrzykowski, G Saraudi & A Madigan pic.twitter.com/HDfxAydmJt
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 4, 2016
OneIndia News
(With inputs from agencies)