Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away at the age of 74 years while being treated at a hospital.
The 74-year-old former heavyweight world champion was born on 17th January, 1942 at Louisville, Kentucky and started training when he was 12 years old.
Ali won the heavyweight championship three times in his career (1964, 1968 and 1978) and is the only three-time lineal championship). He won his first title by defeating Sunny Liston in 1964.
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| Muhammad Ali converted to Islam in 1965 |
Ali fascinated the fans with his unique boxing style in the ring and personality outside it.
His rivalries with Joe Frazier, Sunny Liston and George Foreman are considering one of the greatest in the sport. Some of his famous matches include “Thriller in Manila” and “Rumble in the Jungle”.
The song Black Superman (Muhammad Ali) has also been dedicated to the boxing great.
He was banned from competing in the ring for several years after he opposed the Vietnam War.
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| Muhammad Ali was named a UN messenger of Peace in 1998 |
Ali was criticized for converting to Islam and his outspoken stance on civil rights.
The boxing legend lit the Olympic torch in 1996 in Atlanta and was named a UN messenger of peace in 1998.
He received the highest US civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2005.
He rushed to a medical facility on Thursday. US media reported his respiratory trouble was complicated by his Parkinson’s disease. The boxing great was hospitalized multiple times in recent years.
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| Muhammad Ali was suffering from Parkinson's Disease |
Ali was treated for pneumonia in 2014 at a hospital and was re-admitted for treatment of a urinary tract infection in 2015.
He was also suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, which is said to have developed due to the punches he received throughout his riveting boxing career. This affected his speaking capabilities.
However, the boxing great continued to make public appearances and shared his views and opinions on social issues.
#MuhammadAli becomes top trend on Twitter:
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
Saddened to hear of Muhammad Ali's death - the greatest sportsman of all times. Ali had great talent, was highly intelligent & courageous1/2— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 4, 2016
Float like a butterfly & sting like a bee - goodbye @MuhammadAli #RIPChamp— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 4, 2016
A special message about @MuhammadAli, he was a great fighter and a inspirational human being. RIP champ. pic.twitter.com/193kylBoyq— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) June 4, 2016
Great man Muhammad Ali lost his last fight but will be in our hearts for ever. " float like a butterfly sting like a bee" #RIPMuhammadAli— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) June 4, 2016
RIP Muhammad Ali. You were an exemplary sportsperson & source of inspiration who demonstrated the power of human spirit & determination.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2016
Muhammad Ali is dead at 74! A truly great champion and a wonderful guy. He will be missed by all!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2016
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