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.

Three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74.https://t.co/FtNcYDjeRa pic.twitter.com/4tl7Tl5YmQ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 4, 2016

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."

—Muhammad Ali

— Joel Wayne (@JoelWayneMusic) June 4, 2016

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.

G.O.A.Ts

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— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) June 4, 2016

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