The death of Muhammad Ali, the three times heavyweight champion of the world, set off a torrent of tributes from sporting stars, civil rights campaigners and ordinary fans yesterday [SAT] reflecting how the silver-tongued boxer transcended barriers of race and expectation.
He died with four of his daughters gathered at his hospital bedside in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was being treated for breathing difficulties.
The man who called himself “The Greatest” and spent a career living up to his own description died at the age of 74 on Friday night.
His death was confirmed by Bob Gunnell, his long-time spokesman, who said his family wanted to pass on their thanks to everyone who prayed for Ali in his final fight.
“It was a very peaceful passing and they are with him as we speak,” he said.
“You know, we lost a great person in this world tonight."
He later said Ali had died from septic shock due to natural causes.
Ali is survived by his fourth wife Lonnie, whom he married in 1986, and nine children.
A public funeral will take place in Ali's home town of Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday.
Fans gathered outside the Osborn Medical Centre, where he died, taping roses to the wall and lighting candles at a makeshift memorial.
His daughter Hana Ali encapsulated what many saw as his unique combination of strength and tenderness, describing her father as a "humble mountain”.
"And now he has gone home to God. God bless you daddy. YOU ARE THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!" she tweeted.
Ali dominated the sport for two decades before time and Parkinson's disease, triggered by thousands of blows to the head, ravaged his athletic body and ended his storied career in 1981.
As news of his death spread in the early hours of Saturday morning, an extraordinary coalition of fans united in tribute to his sporting prowess, quickness of wit and political defiance.
His younger brother Rahaman Ali, 72, a former heavyweight boxer, said: "He said to me 'I'm in no pain. No pain. Don't cry for me Rahaman. l'm going to be with Allah. I made peace with God, I'm OK.'
"He said to me, shaking, 'Rahaman, how do I look?' I said 'You look the same to me.'
"He was a wonderful angel. I miss him but I will see him again in heaven."
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