The death of Muhammad Ali on Friday was met with an outpouring of grief and appreciation from family, friends, fans and foes.
The boxing legend was admitted to a hospital in Phoenix earlier this week for treatment of a respiratory condition. His death was announced Friday night. He was 74.
Ali?s impact extended beyond boxing, to social activism, politics and religion. Responses began flooding social media soon after his death.
President Barack Obama said in a moving tribute that the first boxer to win three world titles was ?The Greatest,? not only for his talent but also his spirit.
?Muhammad Ali shook up the world,? Obama said in a statement. ?And the world is better for it. We are all better for it.?
G.O.A.T You will be missed but never forgotten. #MuhammadAli
A photo posted by Russell Wilson (@dangerusswilson) on Jun 3, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton:
Hillary and I are saddened by the passing of Muhammad Ali. From the day he claimed the Olympic gold medal in 1960, boxing fans across the world knew they were seeing a blend of beauty and grace, speed and strength that may never be matched again. We watched him grow from the brash self-confidence of youth and success into a manhood full of religious and political convictions that led him to make tough choices and live with the consequences. Along the way we saw him courageous in the ring, inspiring to the young, compassionate to those in need, and strong and good-humored in bearing the burden of his own health challenges.
I was honored 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, his children, and his entire family.
