Cape Town - Twitter went into overdrive at the news of the death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali early on Saturday morning (SA time).
In his words: Muhammad Ali's greatest quotes
Ali's family confirmed the news in a brief statement released to the media through spokesman Bob Gunnell.
"After a 32-year battle with Parkinson's disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74."
Ali had been admitted to hospital on Thursday with a respiratory ailment.
Unfortunately, his condition continued to steadily deteriorate.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the news:
Heavyweight boxing champion #MuhammedAli has died: https://t.co/KU4Hp3rVjo pic.twitter.com/KKKUTyZebG
— CNN Photos (@CNNPhotos) June 4, 2016
https://t.co/qyxgsqq3fN. May his soul rest in peace. He promoted boxing to highest level in the world.
— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) June 4, 2016
"The Greatest" wielding a cricket bat. RIP Muhammad Ali https://t.co/8abN1iASPJ pic.twitter.com/JMK5s05hNE
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 4, 2016
The greatest.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 4, 2016
Three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74.https://t.co/FtNcYDjeRa pic.twitter.com/4tl7Tl5YmQ
I'm gonna cry a lot of tears tonight!!! RIP to The Original Greatest! Muhammad Ali!!!
— DJ Jazzy Jeff (@djjazzyjeff215) June 4, 2016
"Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."
— Joel Wayne (@JoelWayneMusic) June 4, 2016
—Muhammad Ali
Manny Pacquiao on the passing of Muhammad Ali: "We lost a giant today." https://t.co/90zTWZqybC pic.twitter.com/LrDvre7FZ0
— ABC News (@ABC) June 4, 2016
My fav sporting photograph !He conquered the world . And did it his way ! RIP CHAMP! #Ali #MuhammadAli #TheGreatest pic.twitter.com/eUfcW1X2zR
— Jonathan Kaplan (@RefJK) June 4, 2016
God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP pic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016
Legends meet again.
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) June 4, 2016
G.O.A.Ts
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RIP hero and legend ?? pic.twitter.com/rCaOYH8VNU
— Dane Piedt (@dane_piedt63) June 4, 2016
RIP LEGEND pic.twitter.com/1RLEqz4Gs7
— toks van der Linde (@toksvdl) June 4, 2016
The Greatest... Farewell Muhammed Ali, rarely has a human impacted so many across so many different spheres.
— stuart hess (@shockerhess) June 4, 2016
Rest in peace @MuhammadAli #rip
— Kaka (@KAKA) June 4, 2016
The Greatest - for there is only one - is gone. RIP Muhammad Ali
— Gary Lemke (@GaryLemke) June 4, 2016
Two legends. Reunited. #RIPMuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/y8iRuncwej
— Graeme Cumming (@graemecumming) June 4, 2016