Boxing world mourns death of legendary Muhammad Ali

FILE—(L-R) Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, wife Lonnie Ali and Top Rank Founder and CEO Bob Arum appear onstage during the Keep Memory Alive foundation’s “Power of Love Gala” celebrating Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena February 18, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event benefits the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center. Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive/AFP

The boxing world had just lost its greatest fighter and his fellow ring legends paid their tributes to “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is considered as the best boxer in his era before retiring last year, praised Ali for his greatness that extended outside the ropes and for contributions beyond the ring.

“I am truly saddened to hear that we have lost such a great man. He was truly great inside the ring, but more so outside the ring because he was a great ambassador for human life and peace,” Mayweather said in a statement to Yahoo! Sports. “He set an unbelievable example for many generation to come. My heart and prayers go out to his family. It is truly a sad day.”

Mike Tyson, who reigned in the same division as Ali in the 90s, also mourned the death of the three-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist.

“God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP,” Tyson wrote on his Twitter account.

Top Rank honcho Bob Arum, who had also promoted Ali, also recounted the impact of Ali in boxing and in the world as an influential figure.

“A true great has left us. Muhammad Ali transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit. His legacy will be part of our history for all time.”

Ali passed away after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 74.