Personalities around the world mourn Muhammad Ali’s passing

MANILA, Philippines – The world mourns the death of a global boxing legend in Muhammad Ali, dubbed as The Greatest.

Politicians, celebrities, hardcore fans, and even casual boxing enthusiasts utilized social media to air their sadness over Ali’s passing at 74 years old.

Many paid touching tributes and honored Ali’s life as a celebrated boxer in the squared circle and a fighter for justice.

Personalities including Manny Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach, and celebrities Lea Salonga and Pia Magalona share their thoughts about Ali on Twitter and Instagram.

In 1975, a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, dubbed the Thrilla in Manila, was held at the Araneta Coliseum. I was in 5th grade back then, and everyone–mostly our teachers–were so excited about it on the days that surrounded the event. It was all we talked about! Cassius Clay (Ali’s birth name, before converting to Islam in 1964) was everyone’s idol, as he famously announced, “I am the greatest!” I, personally, admired him more for his handsome looks, and since I wasn’t into sports, I knew about him from a song we loved to sing back then called Black Superman, which had the catchy lyrics “he floats like a butterfly, and stings like a bee!” He was so iconic to the Philippines that we actually built our first mall in ’76 in Cubao, and named it Ali Mall, in his honor, and there it still stands today. Sadly, I just learnt that Ali has just died today… Causing me to reminisce about him and how he made his mark in this world. Rest in peace to the greatest: Muhammad Ali.

A photo posted by (@piamagalona) on Jun 3, 2016 at 9:59pm PDT

 

Local celebrities

 

Meanwhile, boxers Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar Dela Hoya, and George Foreman – and even US presidential candidate Donald Trump – also had their own respective tributes.

Foreign celebrities

 

Today my heart goes out to a pioneer, a true legend, and a hero by all means! Not a day went by entering the gym that I didn’t think of you. Your charisma, your charm and above all, your class are all of the elements that will be greatly missed by myself and the world. You are someone that inspired me greatly throughout my boxing journey and words cannot express how great you were as a person! Thank you for everything you’ve done for Black America, in the the world of sports & entertainment and for the legacy you leave behind! My sincerest condolences to the Ali family!

A photo posted by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on Jun 4, 2016 at 12:00am PDT

 

A photo posted by King Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Jun 3, 2016 at 10:03pm PDT

 

Thank you for always showing me and my family love. He was so kind to everyone he met! I want my son @princejdc to always cherish this moment. #RIPALI we miss you. We love you. You have changed the world. And taught us all something REST IN PEACE GREAT ONE

A photo posted by @iamdiddy on Jun 3, 2016 at 10:53pm PDT

 

This is the ALI we should all remember! The fun loving man who was fully himself!! RIP CHAMP!!!

A photo posted by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Jun 3, 2016 at 9:59pm PDT

– Rappler.com

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More on Muhammad Ali:

• Boxing legend Muhammad Ali dies at age 74
• Muhammad Ali recalled as a great boxer and a fighter for justice
• Indian boxer Mary Kom tearfully recalls ‘inspiration’ Ali
• The wisdom of Muhammad Ali in 9 iconic quotes, poems
• TIMELINE: Key dates in Muhammad Ali’s life and career
• LOOK: Mike Tyson bids farewell to Muhammad Ali
• FLASHBACK: Historic first Liston fight gave birth to Ali legend
• FLASHBACK: Ali made a jungle Rumble by flattening Foreman
• 5 key fights in Muhammad Ali’s career