Earlier in the day on Friday, it was reported Muhammad Ali had been placed on life support. A few hours later, the boxing great passed away at age 74.
BREAKING: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has passed away at age 74, family spokesperson says. pic.twitter.com/hTRgiVmYXt
— ABC News (@ABC) June 4, 2016
In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which he battled until his passing. Prior to that, Ali became one of the more recognizable and beloved figures in the world.
Ali will go down as perhaps the greatest boxer of all-time and retired with a record of 56-5 with 37 knockouts. He fought in some of the more memorable matches the sport has ever seen, including his first bout with Sonny Liston. Ali also took part in three legendary fights against Joe Frazier, the first of which was the first time two undefeated heavyweights met for the title and the famed “Thrilla in Manila,” their third meeting. There was also Ali’s match against George Foreman in 1974, dubbed the “Rumble in the Jungle,” that no one who witnessed it will soon forget.
In addition to winning the heavyweight title three times, Ali won a gold medal during the 1960 Summer Olympics and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Shortly after the news of his passing, the city’s Mayor, Greg Fischer, announced flags at all Metro Government facilities will be lowered to half-staff.
To honor Muhammad Ali's life & work, flags at all Metro Government facilities will be lowered to half-staff at 10am pic.twitter.com/Qm5xjkk6qr
— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) June 4, 2016
Fischer also said there will be a ceremony to honor the life of Muhammad Ali on Saturday morning.
Here are some of Ali’s greatest moments in the ring.
