Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer who proclaimed
himself “The Greatest” and was among the most
famous and beloved athletes on the planet, died Friday
in Phoenix, Arizona, a family spokesman has said.
Ali, 74, had been at a Phoenix hospital since Thursday
with what spokesman Bob Gunnell had described as a
respiratory issue.
“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease,
Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74. The
three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer died
Yesterday evening,” Gunnell said in a statement.
thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at
this time.”
According to the statement,the funeral will take place
in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
.
himself “The Greatest” and was among the most
famous and beloved athletes on the planet, died Friday
in Phoenix, Arizona, a family spokesman has said.
Ali, 74, had been at a Phoenix hospital since Thursday
with what spokesman Bob Gunnell had described as a
respiratory issue.
“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease,
Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74. The
three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer died
Yesterday evening,” Gunnell said in a statement.
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Ali shot to fame by
winning light-heavyweight gold at the 1960 Rome
Olympics.
Nicknamed “The Greatest”, the American beat Sonny
Liston in 1964 to win his first world title and became
the first boxer to capture a world heavyweight title on
three separate occasions.
He eventually retired in 1981, having won 56 of his 61
fights
“The Ali family would like to thank everyone for theirthoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at
this time.”
According to the statement,the funeral will take place
in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
