Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend and three times world heavyweight champion died after a long fight with Parkinson’s diseases.
His family’s spokesman Bob Gunnell confirmed Ali’s death in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday evening local time.
A statement by Gurnell read: “The Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time.”
Ali’s funeral will take place on Friday in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
Born “Cassius Clay Jr.” Ali changed his name to Muhammad Ali around 1964 according to Wikipedia.
The Greatest Of All Time – Ali was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by 9 children including five girls and two boys.
Tributes
Some of the tributes from leaders across the world:
President Barack Obama said “Muhammad Ali shook up the world, and the world was better for it”.
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted, “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.”
President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya said “Muhammad Ali was not only a great boxer, l celebrate him as an inspiration and a peacemaker. He left footprints of true greatness on earth.”
President John Mahama of Ghana wrote on his twitter handle – Sad to hear the passing of Muhammad Ali. He was our hero and truly ‘the Greatest’.
Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki said: “It is with great pain that I received the news of the death of one of the greatest African-American icon of our generation, Muhammad Ali.”
Danny Jordan, South Africa’s head of soccer federation said, “Together with Nelson Mandela, Ali was a source of inspiration for those who pursue justice, those seeking equal opportunities, the downtrodden and those seeking fairness in sport and society.”
