The world lost legendary boxer and political activist Muhammad Ali at the age of 74 Friday night in Arizona after experiencing respiratory issues. Ali had been fighting Parkinson’s disease for more than 30 years.
On top of being an astounding boxer with lightning quickness, Ali was also an outspoken political activist who’s influenced stretched well beyond the boxing ring and sports world.
In his 21-year boxing career, Ali complied 56 wins in 61 fights, with 37 of his victories coming in the form of knockout.
Ali was a three-time World Heavyweight Champion and strung together 31 consecutive victories before falling to Joe Frazier in the Fight of the Century at Madison Square Garden in March 1971.
Ali’s illustrious career and superior skills in the ring prompted the World Champion to deem himself ‘The Greatest of All Time,’ which was hard to argue against.
His death came while the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves were playing, which allowed Vin Scully to deliver the unfortunate news and recite one of Ali’s classic phrases.
The Dodgers honord Ali prior to Saturday’s game with a video narrated by broadcaster Charley Steiner:
