He died aged 74 at a hospital outside Phoenix, Arizona, after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s
Greatest boxer of all time was rushed to hospital on Thursday with breathing difficulties and an ‘unshakeable cough’
Doctors earlier warned the legendary boxer was just hours from death and his family were making funeral plans
Ali’s wife, Lonnie, and daughters were by his side during his ‘very peaceful passing’ late on Friday evening
Three-time heavyweight world champion was considered the greatest boxer on Earth and also won Olympic gold
His wins over Sonny Liston, the Thrilla in Manila & Rumble in the Jungle will be remembered – as well as his quotes
He was taken to hospital with an ‘unshakeable cough’, a separate source said, with his fatal respiratory problems likely to have been complicated by his Parkinson’s disease.
The Greatest was surrounded by his family, who rushed to be at his bedside on Thursday and Friday after doctors warned his condition was ‘rapidly deteriorating’, a source said.
He is survived by his fourth wife Lonnie, whom he married in 1986, and nine children, many of whom were with him when he died.
It was earlier reported that Ali’s family had started making funeral arrangements after doctors warned that he was just hours from death.
Ali’s spokesman Bob Gunnell told MSNBC that the family were ‘devastated’ by his death.
‘Muhammad passed with his family at his side just moments ago,’ he said.
‘It was a very peaceful passing and they are with him as we speak. You know, we lost a great person in this world tonight.
‘We don’t have an official cause of death yet, but it has to be from complications of Parkinson’s.’
Gunnell said on Thursday that the boxer was being treated for a respiratory issue at a hospital, which he confirmed again on Friday morning.
Tributes have flooded in from around the world, with friends and fellow fighters paying Ali, who was voted Sports Personality of the Century, the highest accolades.