Legendary Boxer Muhammad Ali, who many consider to be the greatest ever boxer, passed away on Saturday in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 74.

Born Cassius Clay, the three-time world heavyweight champion had been hospitalized following respiratory problems earlier in the week.

"After a 32-year battle with Parkinson's disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74," said spokesman Bob Gunnell. "We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support," he added.

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Ali was famously chosen to ignite the Olympic torch in 1996 in Atlanta, but struggled to light the torch as his hands trembled due to his Parkinson's.

His last public appearances revealed an increasingly frail man. In April, he spent most of his time hunched over at the annual Celebrity Fight Night dinner in Phoenix, held to raise funds for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Doctors are of the opinion that Ali's Parkinson's was probably a result of the numerous punches he received during his long career.

George Foreman, Ali's friend and rival from the popular Rumble in the Jungle fight, also paid tribute to the boxing legend. "A part of me is gone," said Foreman, before adding that Ali should be remembered not only as a boxer, but also as a brave humanitarian.

Ali's funeral will take place in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by his fourth wife, Lonnie, whom he married in 1986, and several children, many of whom are reported to have been by their father's at the time of his demise.

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