The world has truly lost one of “The Greatest.”
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away on Friday at age 74, after a long battle
with Parkinson’s disease.
Following the sad news, celebrities, athletes and public
figures from across the world have mourned the loss on social media, paying
tribute to the three-time heavyweight champ and his social impact outside the
ring.
“He shook up the world, and the world’s better for it.
Rest in peace, Champ,” President Obama tweeted, captioning a photo of
himself sitting underneath a framed poster of Ali’s 1965 victory over Sonny
Liston.
He shook up the world, and the world's better for it. Rest in peace, Champ. pic.twitter.com/z1yM3sSLH3
— President Obama (@POTUS44) June 4, 2016
MORE: Muhammad Ali, Who Riveted The World As ‘The Greatest,’ Dies At 74
Floyd Mayweather took to Instagram, honoring the inspiration
Ali gave his boxing career over the years.
“Not a day went by entering the gym that I
didn’t think of you,” he wrote.
Mike Tyson shared a throwback photo of himself sitting
beside Ali, and bid his predecessor a bittersweet farewell.
“God came for his champion. So long, great one,”
he captioned the Instagram snap.
Paul McCartney honored Ali with a post on his website, and recalled meeting the fighter (then Cassius Clay) with the Beatles back in 1964.
“I loved that man. He was great from the first day we met him in Miami, and on the numerous occasions when I ran into him over the years,” McCartney wrote. “Besides being the greatest boxer, he was a beautiful, gentle man with a great sense of humour who would often pull a pack of cards out of his pocket, no matter how posh the occasion, and do a card trick for you. The world has lost a truly great man.”
WATCH: Access Flashback: Laila Ali Salutes Women In Sports
Michael J. Fox, with whom Ali collaborated on many charitable and political efforts to raise Parkinson’s awareness, referred to the late athlete on Twitter as “a warrior for the cure.”
Ali, the G-O-A-T. A giant, an inspiration, a man of peace, a warrior for the cure. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/MCLyJhLC0X
— Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) June 4, 2016
“Muhammad
was a true legend — a champion in the boxing ring, and a champion for millions
of Parkinson’s families,” Fox said in a statement posted to his
foundation’s website. “We looked up to him as an example of grace and
courage in the face of great challenges. He will be missed.”
Other stars including Justin Timberlake, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Madonna, Kevin Hart and
more also shared their sadness and condolences, honoring Ali’s legacy and their
own fond memories of the icon.
According to a statement from Ali family spokesperson Bob Gunnell, the funeral will be held in Ali’s hometown of
Louisville, Ky.
— Erin Biglow
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