Muhammad Ali Is Dead At 74

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali died Friday evening at a Phoenix hospital, according to a press release from family spokesperson Bob Gunnell. He was 74 years old. The release did not specify the cause of death.

Ali was hospitalized yesterday with a respiratory issue, and his family released a short statement earlier this afternoon, acknowledging the hospitalization and stating that his condition at the time was “fair.”

Born Cassius Clay on Jan. 17, 1942, Ali was the first man to win the heavyweight world championship three times. He was banned for three years in the late 1960s for refusing to enter the armed forces, but he returned to the sport and won the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila. Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, Ali ended up as famous for his anti-war speeches and anti-establishment politics as as for his boxing achievements.

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.