Muhammad Ali passes away at age of 74

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UPDATE - Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passes away at the age of 74 after being hospitalized earlier in the week for respiratory problems.

 

Muhammad Ali in 'grave condition'; surrounded by family at Phoenix hospital: reports

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PHOENIX — Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is surrounded by family members at a Phoenix hospital where he is fighting for his life, according to reports.

The boxing champ's condition is "grave," a source told NBC News and the Los Angeles Times.

According to Ali's spokesperson, Bob Gunnell, Ali was being treated by his team of doctors for a respiratory issue and was said to be in fair condition Thursday. Doctors initially expected the hospital stay to be brief, but Ali’s condition has apparently worsened rapidly.

Ali, 74, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, previously was hospitalized in January 2015 with a urinary tract infection. He also was hospitalized in December 2014 with pneumonia.

In recent years, Ali has largely stayed out of the limelight. But he once was known not only for his athletic prowess as a boxer but also for his social activism.

Ali was born as Cassius Clay and in 1960 won an Olympic gold medal as a light-heavyweight. In 1964, he defeated Sonny Liston by KO in the seventh round and became the World Heavyweight Champion. It was also the year he converted and joined the Nation of Islam, changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali.

In April 1967, as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army. The World Boxing Association then stripped him of his world title. On June 20, 1967, Ali was convicted in federal court of violating Selective Service laws and sentenced to five years in prison and fined $10,000. He stayed out of prison as his case was appealed.

One of the most powerful images of Ali came in 1996, when he lit the torch at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.
In 2005, Ali was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush.

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