Global salutes to lost legend
The world mourned its champion yesterday after Muhammad Ali died aged 74.
The sporting and cultural icon – known simply as The Greatest – passed away at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
He had been suffering from a respiratory illness, a condition complicated by his long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Three of his nine children were by his bedside along with wife Lonnie when he died.
His daughter Maryum said: “I am happy my father no longer struggles. He is in a better place.”
As news of his death was announced at 5.36am yesterday, tributes poured in from across the world.
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson wrote on Twitter: “God came for his champion. So long great one.”
George Foreman, beaten by Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974, said: “Muhammad Ali made you love him.”
Brazilian football legend Pele wrote on Instagram: “The sporting universe has just suffered a big loss.
“Muhammad Ali was my friend, my idol, my hero. We spent many moments together and always kept a good connection throughout the years.
“The sadness is overwhelming. I wish him peace with God. I send love and strength to his family.”
In Britain, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister David Cameron led a flood of tributes from the worlds of politics, sport and showbusiness.
Ex-boxer Frank Bruno said: “He was a good, good guy. Every time you met him, it made you feel warm and nice.”
He added: “There are some boxers who have got power, some boxers have got speed, some boxers have got skill. He had everything.”
Those remembering his life also pointed to the legacy away from boxing where he was a fierce opponent of the racism that blighted large areas of the US in the 60s.
His brother Rahman said: “He’ll be remembered as the greatest sportsman of all time, not just in the ring but outside of it too.”
Ali’s funeral on Friday, in Louisville, Kentucky, will be open to the public, the family spokesman Bob Gunnell said last night.
Eulogies will be given by former US president Bill Clinton and actor Billy Crystal. President Obama is also expected to attend the service, along with other heads of state.
Ali is survived by his nine children and his fourth wife Lonnie.