Ali (photo) is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time
Boxing is in mourning. The legend Muhammad Ali died this Saturday (04), aged 74. The boxer had been fighting Parkinson's disease since 1984 and succumbed to the disease this morning in a hospital in Phoenix.
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“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson's disease, Muhammad Ali passed away at the age of 74. The three-time world heavyweight champion died tonight. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support, and ask for privacy at this time,” said fighter spokesman Bob Gunnell.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky (USA), in 1942, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr became Muhammad Ali when he converted to Islam in 1964.
There he was an Olympic champion, protagonist of the first 'Fight of the Century' against Joe Frazier, he was the first three-time world heavyweight champion and dominated boxing in one of the most competitive periods in the sport.
Known for his “steel chin”, Muhammad Ali had more than 62 professional fights and was never knocked out. He won 57, 37 by knockout, and was defeated five times. In addition to his resistance inside the ring, the boxer showed that outside the fighting area he had the same attitude.
Ali refused to serve in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War and lost his title for three years. After a long legal battle he regained his right to fight and returned to the ring in 1970.
The following year he had the 'Fight of the Century' against Joe Frazier in the undefeated duel and lost on points. But in 1974 he gained another chance for the belt and beat George Foreman in the 'Rumble in the Jungle', in Zaire. He entered the ring as an underdog, but achieved victory in sensational fashion.
Without the agility at the height of his career, Ali showed all his resistance. He leaned against the ropes and allowed his rival to punish him for several rounds until Foreman tired. Only in the eighth round did he go on the attack and win the fight
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