Former heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali Dead: Boxing Legend Sadly Dies At 74

Former heavyweight boxing champion and cultural icon Muhammad Ali is dead, a family spokesman has said.

Ali, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome in 1984, died at a Phoenix hospital where he had spent the past few days being treated for respiratory complications.

“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74. The three-time World Heavyweight Champion died this evening,” Bob Gunnell, a family spokesman said in a statement.

“The Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Gunnell added.

One of the best known figures of the 20th century, at his height the boxing legend was known for his dancing feet and quick fists.

Doctors believe his neurological condition could be linked to the thousands of punches he sustained during his career.

Reaction to Ali’s death immediately poured in on Twitter. Former boxing champions Mike Tyson, George Foreman and Roy Jones Jr. all offered their condolences early Saturday morning.