The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. He passed away yesterday in Arizona. He was 74.
1990 Hall of Fame Inductee Muhammad Ali
Born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942, he won light heavyweight gold at the 1960 Olympics and turned pro the same year. As a pro, Ali was the first man to win the world heavyweight championship three times (1964-67, 1974-78, 1978-79).
With charisma, confidence and tremendous boxing skills, he would register victories over Henry Cooper, George Chuvalo, Ernie Terrell, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonavena, Jimmy Ellis, Ron Lyle and Earnie Shavers, as well as fellow Hall of Famers Archie Moore, Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, Bob Foster, Ken Norton, George Foreman and Joe Frazier. On March 8, 1971, he battled Frazier in “The Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden. Ali retired in 1981 with a record of 56-5 (37 KOs).
“Muhammad Ali is far and away the most famous athlete in the world,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “His impact reached well beyond the boxing ring and he became a world-wide symbol of compassion and perseverance.”
In 1990, Ali was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
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Statement on the pass of Muhammad Ali:
Muhammad Ali was The Greatest of all time. Perhaps the greatest in any sport. The outpouring of emotion currently taking place around the world is a testament to his impact beyond boxing and beyond sports.
On behalf of everyone at Showtime Networks, and our extended boxing family, we offer our condolences to the Ali family and to the millions of people the world over that were inspired by his grace, poise and prowess in life.
– Showtime Networks Inc.
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ESPN joins the world in mourning the passing but celebrating the remarkable life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
This post on ESPN Front Row includes a statement from ESPN president John Skipper as well as a video tribute to Ali narrated by ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap.
Also included are thoughts about Ali from ESPN commentators and executives and video and photos from Ali’s interactions with ESPN and ABC. The quotes may be used with attribution.
http://www.espnfrontrow.com/2016/06/espn-hails-muhammad-ali/