Muhammad Ali, former heavyweight boxing champion, legend and cultural icon, has died at the age of 74. NBC News:
After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74,” family spokesman Bob Gunell said. “The three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer died this evening.”
Born Cassius Clay in 1942 in Louisville, KY, he learned to box as a youngster after another child stole his bike. He became champion in a celebrated bout with veteran Sonny Liston, converted to Islam in 1963, and was banned from the sport for four years after refusing to serve in the Vietnam War.