The GOAT, Muhammad Ali Passes at 74:
Not just the boxing world, or even the sports world, but the entire global community today mourns the passing of Muhammad Ali at the age of 74. We won’t attempt to say what cannot be said, or to try to explain more eloquently and wiser than many others have already had.
Instead, here, we’ll share some of the official statements that have been released, along with a few recommended reads. Check out this Muhammad Ali obituary from Kieran Mulvaney, as well as this piece by Kevin Iole.
If you want to learn more about the man and his career, then we suggest you check out our:
HBO Sports statement on the passing of Muhammad Ali:
“We join the rest of the world in mourning the passing of Muhammad Ali and celebrating the legacy of this unique man in unifying us through his acts and gifts.
“Ali’s charisma, grace, and genius transcended all races, religions, nationalities, and generations. His spirit will inspire people forever.
“HBO is honored to have known Muhammad Ali as a fighter of beauty and a man of principle. We experienced the joy of working with him in support of initiatives he passionately cared about including, most importantly, his never-ending desire to teach tolerance and understanding of others to all people.
“Muhammad Ali was an icon and hero, father and friend, and beacon of hope for oppressed people throughout the world. He will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched. There are not enough bells to toll this loss.”
STATEMENT FROM OSCAR DE LA HOYA ON THE PASSING OF MUHAMMAD ALI
Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya has issued the following statement with regard to the passing of “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali:
“It is with great sadness today that we mourn the loss of the Greatest of All Time – Muhammad Ali. I send my deepest condolences to his family, and pray for strength and peace for them during this difficult time.
“Muhammad Ali is a legend and one of the world’s most celebrated athletes, the fighter who ushered in the golden era of boxing and put the sport on the map. He paved the way for professional fighters, including myself, elevating boxing to become a sport watched in millions of households around the world.
“Ali’s talent was undeniable – he was an Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time lineal world heavyweight champion, and the only one to accomplish that to this day, and reached the pinnacle of our sport as the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1964.
“Beyond his incredible talent, he also made boxing interesting. Ali was fearless in the ring, and took on the toughest, most challenging opponents. Ali exemplified courage—he never took the easy route, something to be admired in and outside of the ring.
“As he grew older, he didn’t let his physical condition become an excuse to stop working; he continued to work hard, focusing on giving back to the community. Today, as we reflect on his life, let us remember a man who pursued greatness in everything he did and be inspired to hold ourselves to that same standard. Rest in peace, my friend.”
ESPN joins the world in mourning the passing but celebrating the remarkable life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
This post on ESPN Front Row includes a statement from ESPN president John Skipper as well as a video tribute to Ali narrated by ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap.
Also included are thoughts about Ali from ESPN commentators and executives and video and photos from Ali’s interactions with ESPN and ABC. The quotes may be used with attribution.
ECHO ARENA TO PAY RESPECTS TO MUHAMMAD ALI
Today the whole world mourns the loss of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. His boxing talent was matched only by a towering self-belief. Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Greatest.
The former Heavyweight Champion was just 42 years old when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984. For three decades, Ali waged public battle against Parkinson’s – making brave appearances and carrying out endless charity work.
In his fight against Parkinson’s, Ali became the face of the debilitating disease. His toughest battle came outside the ring against an opponent that even he couldn’t knock out.
In light of today’s tragic loss Queensberry Promotions will be releasing a limited number of seats for tonight’s World Championship Boxing Event held at the Liverpool Echo Arena. Each seat will be sold on a first come first served basis (entrance before 8PM) and will be priced at just £5 with all of the money raised from these tickets sales being donated to the Parkinson’s UK charity in memory of Ali.
Before tonight’s World Championship Boxing event, headlined by Liam Smith and Predrag Radosevic, boxing will give it’s traditional ten bells salute in remembrance of the great Ali.
Parkinson’s UK drives better care, treatments and quality of life for those suffering with the disease and their family members. As well as providing care for those suffering with the disease, Parkinson’s UK provides expert information on every aspect of Parkinson’s so that people affected by the condition can stay in control of their lives.
To find out more about Parkinson’s UK and the work they do visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call their confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Amir Khan Statement On Passing Of Muhammad Ali
Amir Khan has issued the following statement following the death of boxing icon Muhammad Ali:
“It is extremely sad to witness the passing of boxing’s greatest fighter and icon Muhammad Ali. I would like to send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his family at this time. No fighter or sportsman will ever reach the level of Muhammad Ali, whose name will continue to echo through the ages. Inspiring, charismatic, a true legend – Ali will never be forgotten. Having the chance to meet the great man will be a memory and privilege I will always hold dear to me – an incredible human being, fighter and role model. Thank you Muhammad for inspiring us all.”
