Muhammad Ali, perhaps the best known boxer in the world, died Friday at a Phoenix-area hospital of a respiratory condition complicated by Parkinson’s disease.
Five-time heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield, who describes himself as the “Real Deal” and references Philippians 4:13 on his Twitter page, tweeted about Ali.
“Remembering the good old days with Ali,” Holyfield wrote. “RIP my brother I will never forget you.”
Filipino boxing champ and politician Manny Pacquiao issued a statement on the loss of Ali.
“We lost a giant today,” Pacquiao said. “Boxing benefited from Muhammad Ali’s talents but not nearly as much as mankind benefited from his humanity. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Ali family. May God bless them.”
“Big George” Foreman, two-time heavyweight champ, addressed Ali’s family on Twitter.
“My heart goes out to you,” Foreman wrote. “Muhammad Ali has been a fine man. That will never die.”
Boxer Mike Tyson, who shares the Muslim faith with Ali, tweeted: “God came for his champion. So long great one.”
Ali renounced Christianity and converted to Islam at 22. He no longer used Cassius Clay, which he called his “slave name,” but instead used the name bestowed upon him by Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad.
Ali retired from boxing in 1981 and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years later. He leaves behind his wife, Lonnie Williams, and nine children. His daughter, Leila Ali, retired from boxing undefeated in 2007.
