Muhammad Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay
Muhammad Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay died at the age of 74. A sufferer of Parkinson disease, he died of a respiratory ailment. CNN reported the following.
Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer who proclaimed himself “The Greatest” and was among the most famous and beloved athletes on the planet, died Friday in Phoenix, Arizona, a family spokesman said.
Ali, 74, had been at a Phoenix hospital since Thursday with what spokesman Bob Gunnell had described as a respiratory issue.
The three-time heavyweight champion also had battled Parkinson’s disease since 1984.
Laila Ali “truly appreciates the outpouring of love for her family, as she spends quality time with her dad,” a statement issued by her business manager said.The boxing legend also was hospitalized in January 2015 with a urinary tract infection. He was hospitalized in December 2014 with pneumonia.
Muhammad Ali will be missed. I remember watching him fight George Foreman on our black and white TV in my country of birth, Panama. I remember thinking them Foreman was simply going to annihilate him. Ironically I immigrated to Texas and lived less than a mile away from Foreman.
To the family of Muhammad Ali, I offer the most sincere condolences.