MUHAMMAD ALI DIES AT 74

 

Legendary Boxer Muhammad Ali

Three-time heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali, who charmed millions with his wit and confidence in the ring and inspired many more with his commitment to humanitarian causes died Friday, the family's spokesman said. He was 74.

"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 this evening,” said family spokesperson Bob Gunnell.

Ali was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m. MT on Friday from "septic shock due to unspecified natural causes," Gunnell said on Saturday. His body was set to be returned to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, within the next 48 hours.

Ali's family will hold a private funeral service in Louisville, on Thursday, Gunnell said, with a public memorial service scheduled for 2 p.m. ET the following day. Former President Bill Clinton, sportscaster Bryant Gumbel and actor Billy Crystal were all set eulogize the late boxer at the service, which will also include a procession through the streets of Louisville.

"Muhammad's extraordinary boxing career only encompassed half of his life," Gunnell said at a press conference in Phoenix on Saturday. "The other half was committed to sharing a message of peace and inclusion with the world. Following his wishes, his funeral will reflect those principles and be a celebration open to everyone."

Ali had been hospitalized in the Phoenix area -- where he passed away -- for a respiratory issue June 2. At the time, a rep said he was in fair condition.

The late boxer's son, Asaad Ali, wrote on Instagram, "Forever grateful for everything you have ever gave me...You've shown me how to love the world in ways I didn't know possible."

His daughter Hana Ali tweeted, "Our father was a 'Humble Mountain!' And now he has gone home to God." Hana later posted a lengthier statement about Ali's passing, detailing the emotional final moments with her father.

"All of us were around him hugging and kissing him and holding his hands, chanting the Islamic prayer," she wrote in a statement posted on Twitter. "All of his organs failed but his HEART wouldn't stop beating. For 30 minutes...his heart just keep beating. No one had ever seen anything like it. A true testament to the strength of his Spirit and Will!"

One of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing, Ali retired in 1981 after losing to Trevor Berbick in his 61st career bout.

Soon thereafter, Ali -- who doctors said had begun showing signs of sluggishness and neurological damage in the 1970s -- began receiving treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Ali, who called himself "The Greatest," was married four times and had nine children, including daughter Laila, who also became a professional boxer. Ali and his fourth wife, Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams, had been married since 1986