Three-time heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali,
who charmed millions with his wit and confidence in the ring and
inspired many more with his commitment to humanitarian causes has died,
according to the family spokesman. He was 74.
Ali had been hospitalized for a respiratory issue June 2. At the time, a rep said he was in fair condition.
One of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing, Ali retired in
1981 after losing to Trevor Berbick in his 61st career bout.
Soon thereafter, Ali — who doctors said had begun showing signs of
sluggishness and neurological damage in the 1970s — began receiving
treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Ali, who called himself “The Greatest,” was married four times and had
nine children, including daughter Laila, who also became a professional
boxer. Ali and his fourth wife, Yolanda “Lonnie” Williams, had been
married since 1986