Muhammad Ali dead at 74: reaction to death of a boxing icon

Muhammad Ali , the three-time heavyweight champion who proclaimed himself “The Greatest”, defied the US government over the Vietnam war, a...

Muhammad Ali, the three-time heavyweight champion who proclaimed himself “The Greatest”, defied the US government over the Vietnam war, and later became one of the most well-known – and loved – sportsmen in history has died. He was 74.

Ali died late on Friday at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, the family’s spokesperson Bob Gunnell said. His funeral will take place in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky.

Ali was admitted to hospital on Thursday with a respiratory problem – a move that was described at the time as “a precaution”. However, reports emerged 24 hours later which said he had been placed on a life support machine and his family “feared the worst”.

Unforgettable and Historical Photos of Muhammad Ali

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, pictured with wife Lonnie at one of his daughter Leila’s fights in 2005, has died at the age of 74.