The world pays tribute to boxing legend, Muhammad Ali

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” was Muhammad Ali’s credo in the ring—his superior speed and reflexes secured him 56 wins (including 37 knockouts) over 61 fights in his 21-year professional career. He proclaimed himself “The Greatest”, and it could hardly be disputed.

 

An inspiring figure both inside and outside of the ring, he left his mark on the world. Heartfelt tributes from across the world poured in on social media as celebrities, fellow sportsmen, fans of the sport as well as world leaders mourn the loss of Muhammad Ali after news broke that the boxing champion, legend, and an inspiration to many, has passed away.

A photo posted by Muhammad Ali (@muhammadali) on Jun 3, 2016 at 9:41pm PDT

 

Madonna: “This Man. This King. This Hero. This Human! Words cannot express. He shook up the World! God Bless Him.”

This Man. This King. This Hero. This Human! Words cannot express. He shook up the World! God Bless Him.

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Jun 3, 2016 at 9:58pm PDT

He shook up the world, and the world’s better for it. Rest in peace, Champ. pic.twitter.com/z1yM3sSLH3

— President Obama (@POTUS) June 4, 2016

 

Pelé: “The sporting universe has just suffered a big loss. Muhammad Ali was my friend, my idol, my hero. We spent many moments together and always kept a good connection throughout the years. The sadness is overwhelming. I wish him peace with God. And I send love and strength to his family.”

The sporting universe has just suffered a big loss. Muhammad Ali was my friend, my idol, my hero. We spent many moments together and always kept a good connection throughout the years. The sadness is overwhelming. I wish him peace with God. And I send love and strength to his family. // O universo do esporte sofre uma grande perda. Muhammad Ali era meu amigo, meu idolo, meu heroi. Passamos muitos momentos juntos e sempre mantivemos contatos todos esses anos. A tristeza é enorme. Desejo que ele descanse junto a Deus e amor e força à sua familia. #RIP @muhammadali

A photo posted by Pelé (@pele) on Jun 4, 2016 at 4:09am PDT

Unsurprisingly, he said it best himself. #MuhammedAli pic.twitter.com/G1BykvvzfF

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 4, 2016

 

Our families would get together, just sit around and watch you fight.
You fought for so much.
Thank you Champ pic.twitter.com/xgA4UOIAcP

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) June 4, 2016

 

The world has lost a Legend and real Champion. #RIPMuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/0CHBR7od5N

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) June 4, 2016

 

Muhammad Ali was not just a champion in the ring – he was a champion of civil rights, and a role model for so many people.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 4, 2016

 

Muhammad Ali, courageous in all things in which he believed. Led by example. Dignity, humor, generosity, love. Still dancing.

— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) June 4, 2016

 

Lionel Richie: “You will always be my hero.”

You will always be my hero … #muhammadali Photo Credit: @alansilfen

A photo posted by lionelrichie (@lionelrichie) on Jun 3, 2016 at 10:09pm PDT

 

Kate Hudson: “Yes you did Mr Ali. You shook up the world. Sending love and light to the family.”

Yes you did Mr Ali. You shook up the world

I mourn the passing of #MuhammadAli. He was indeed “The Greatest.” An American legend & a true Champion for the world. #RIPMuhammadAli

— Larry King (@kingsthings) June 4, 2016

 

Ellie Goulding: “Best boxer in the world and later, a beautiful humanitarian. Rest in peace hero.”

Best boxer in the world and later, a beautiful humanitarian. Rest in Peace hero.

A photo posted by elliegoulding (@elliegoulding) on Jun 4, 2016 at 10:44am PDT