Muhammad Ali's death draws global reaction
The world lost a boxing legend and will remember him not only for his bouts but with statements he made in and out of the ring. ‘Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. You can't hit what your eyes don't see,' said Muhammad Ali.
People, old and young, sent out messages of respect and tribute to one of the world's greatest boxing legends on various social media platforms on Friday after Muhammed Ali, 74, departed for his final resting place due to a respiratory illness.
The boxing legend not only made headlines with his victories in the ring but also drew attention through his bold actions and statements outside the ring as well.
Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, who's also an undefeated boxer like her father, reacted to his passing by sharing a photo of her daughter Sydney and Ali on Facebook, and wrote: "I love this photo of my father and my daughter Sydney when she was a baby! Thanks for all the love and well wishes. I feel your love and appreciate it!!"
Laila Ali with her father Muhammad Ali.
Former US President, Bill Clinton, in his message, said: "I was honoured to award him the Presidential Citizens Medal at the White House, to watch him light the Olympic flame, and to forge a friendship with a man who, through triumph and trials, became even greater than his legend. Our hearts go out to Lonnie [Muhammad Ali's wife], his children, and his entire family."
Bill Clinton presenting an award to Muhammed Ali and his trainer Angelo Dundee in October 2000.
Australian athlete Cathy Freeman says "Muhammad Ali represents and symbolises greatness for all the world over."
Muhammad Ali represents and symbolises greatness for all the world over. His name and story will live on forever. RIP!
— Cathy Freeman (@CathyFreeman) June 4, 2016
Bob Arum, who had promoted some of Muhammad Ali's fights tweeted: "A true great has left us. Muhammed Ali transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit."
A true great has left us. @MuhammadAli transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit. pic.twitter.com/ByNZYhM2ro
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) June 4, 2016
US Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, described Ali as "A truly great champion."
Muhammad Ali is dead at 74! A truly great champion and a wonderful guy. He will be missed by all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2016
Mexican-American, ex-professional boxer, Oscar De La Hoya, nicknamed "The Golden Boy," paid homage to the boxing icon in a Twitter message along with a photo, which shows a comical side of the boxing legend.
RIP @muhammadali, a legend who transcended sport and was a true champion for all. #thegreatest #MuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/vjmXlXaHip
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) June 4, 2016
Mike Tyson, another former US professional boxer, reacted like this:
God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP pic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016
Former Indian cricket star Virender Sehwag shared Muhammad Ali's quote:
"Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 4, 2016
You can't hit what your eyes dont see"-
Muhammad Ali#RIPChamp #Legend pic.twitter.com/iGGQWSW64C
American rapper and actor Snoop Dogg also paid tribute via Twitter.
Legend https://t.co/qqz7g7uI8S pic.twitter.com/lK5Cb7XkLd
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) June 4, 2016
US actress, model and singer, Hailee Steinfeld, tweeted:
'If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it then I can achieve it.'
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) June 4, 2016
Words to live by. RIP ALI. pic.twitter.com/SQiFKZ97rb
Ben Norton, a political journalist, shared Muhammad Ali's quote that shares his thoughts on why he refused to serve in the Vietnam War and the drafting of soldiers.
Muhammad Ali has passed away.
— Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) June 4, 2016
This is his legendary quote on why he refused to serve in the murderous Vietnam War. pic.twitter.com/9NNmWNztAI
American pop singer, Justin Bieber, shared his reaction to Muhammad Ali's death via Instagram.
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