It was announced today that the boxer Muhammad Ali has died. The 74 year old was known to be suffering from Parkinson’s disease and eventually died of ‘septic shock due to unspecified natural causes.’ The sporting star was taken into hospital earlier this week after suffering from respiratory problems. A spokesman for the family said ‘He was a citizen of the world and would want people from all walks of life to be able to attend his funeral.’
Ali was one of the world’s most popular sportsmen and many international figures have spoken fondly of the boxer who conquered not only sport but the world of politics and human rights. The President of the United States, Barack Obama said of him. ‘His fight outside the ring would cost him his title and his public standing. It would earn him enemies on the left and the right, make him reviled, and nearly send him to jail. But Ali stood his ground. And his victory helped us get used to the America we recognize today.’
He won 61 out of 51 fights and was known as the greatest of his time. Ali who died in Phoneix is set to be buried next Friday in his town of Louisville, Kentucky.