Boxing great Muhammed Ali dies aged 74

June 5, 2016

Legendary boxing great died on Friday aged 74 in a hospital in,  in the. A family spokesperson said Ali had been admitted with respiratory problems. The former heavyweight champion lived with for decades, diagnosed in 1984.

Born on January 17, 1942 as Cassius Marcellus Clay, he changed his name to Muhammed Ali after his 1964 conversion to Islam. In his professional career, Ali won 56 out of 61 fights &mdash; including 31 consecutive wins. He won the World Heavyweight Championship three times and had also won an Olympic gold medal in the light-heavyweight category.

Often considered the greatest boxer of all time, Ali was the world heavyweight champion in the 1960s and 1970s. His famous fights with in 1974 when he won his title back and against  are considered by many as two of the greatest fights in the sport's history. Ali had also defeated to claim the championship title.

Ali was also known as a political activist. He came under considerable controversy after his decision to refuse the draft.

He lit the flame in the 1996 Olympics hosted in.

His funeral is to be in.