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: