Muhammad Ali, three-time legendary heavyweight boxing champion of the world is dead.
Last Thursday, Ali was admitted to hospital on with a respiratory problem – a move that was described at the time as “a precaution” and later placed on a life support machine.
He died late on Friday at the age of 74.
The legend had become increasingly frail since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, at the age of 42, and in recent years had limited his public appearances. He could barely speak or leave his house.
Ali had become increasingly frail since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, aged 42, and in recent years had limited his public appearances. Earlier this month his brother Rahman Ali revealed that the condition was so advancedhe could barely speak or leave his house.
He retired from boxing in 1981 after a final fight against Trevor Berbick.
His Greatest Fights
The boxing icon will be remembered for many classic fights – in particular beating the fearsome Sonny Liston to become champion; the Fight of the Centuryand the Thrilla in Manilla against Joe Frazier, and the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974 when, at the age of 32, he defeated George Foreman in Kinshasa – Zaire to regain back his title.
Ali’s Net Worth
According to The Richest, Ali’s net worth was $80 million as of 2012.CelebrityNetWorth, however, pegs the amount at $50 million.
The legend’s biggest payday came on Oct. 10, 1980, in Las Vegas, where Ali fell by technical knockout to Holmes but earned a purse of $8 million.
Tributes
Former world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, wrote:
“God came for his champion. So long great one.”
The former US President Bill Clinton described him as:
“Courageous in the ring, inspiring to the young, compassionate to those in need, and strong and good-humoured in bearing the burden of his own health challenges”.
George Foreman wrote:
“Ali, Fraser and Foreman we were one guy. A part of me slipped away.”
“Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest human beings I have ever met. No doubt he was one of the best people to have lived in this day and age.”
Am just so unhappy for his death…just
painful, may his soul rest in perfect peace
Seven Spanish Angels takes the champ home……ala Willie Nelson/Ray Charles…