Sunday 5 June 2016

Muhammad Ali Has Died at 74

Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74, The New York Times reports. The news was confirmed by Bob Gunnell, a spokesman for the Ali family.

Muhammad Ali has been hospitalized with a respiratory issue, CNN reports. The boxing legend and social activist "is being treated by his team of doctors and is in fair condition," Ali family spokesman Bob Gunnell said in a statement. "A brief hospital stay is expected. At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy."

That statement—datelined from Phoenix, Arizona—did not offer much further information on Ali's condition, but ESPN cites AP sources who claim it is more serious than during previous hospital stays in recent years. Ali suffers from Parkinson's disease, and has checked into hospitals for a severe urinary tract infection and pneumonia since 2014.

Ali is a three-time heavyweight champion, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and a lifetime activist for religious freedom and social justice.