The Titan of Boxing, Muhammad Ali, Has Died

One of the world’s most iconic boxers, Muhammad Ali, has passed away at the age of 74.

According to a spokesperson for his family, the legendary fighter died on June 3rd, five day after being admitted to an Arizona hospital.

Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, on January 17, 1942, was admitted to an Arizona hospital for respiratory problems that gradually got worse and led to septic shock. Septic shock refers to an aggressive, full-body inflammatory response to an infection. The blood pressure plummets, leading to organ failure.

He was surrounded by his wife and children by his bedside. “It was a solemn moment,” Bob Gunnell told reporters in Phoenix.

Ali is remembered for shocking the world in the ring and out of the ring. He may have floated like a butterfly, but he definitely stung like a bee. Even after so many punches left him with a voice that was barely higher than a whisper, he still thrilled.

Ali finished his three decade fighting career with a record of 56-5 with 37 knockouts. He was the first man to win heavyweight titles three times.

He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for the last couple of decades. Often people with late stage Parkinson’s can have a hard time swallowing which leads to food and liquid landing in the lungs. This can lead to chest infections that cause sepsis, a bloodstream infection.

The prized fighter’s funeral is scheduled for Friday in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The funeral will take place at the KFC Yum! Center — a 22,000-seat basketball arena in Louisville.

Eulogies will be given by former President Bill Clinton, sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, and comedian Billy Crystal.