Boxing legend Muhammad Ali dead at age 74

PHOENIX (KABC) -- Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74, according to a statement released by his family.

Ali was hospitalized in the Phoenix area as family members gathered by his bedside on Friday.

The iconic sports figure was fighting respiratory issues that were complicated by the Parkinson's that he was diagnosed with in the 1980s, The Associated Press reported. Ali had been hospitalized several times in recent years.

Ali's family said his funeral would be held in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. In a statement, Ali's family thanked the public for the outpouring of support.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in Ali's honor. He also announced the city would hold a memorial for boxing legend Saturday morning.

"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," Bob Arum, who promoted 26 of Ali's fights, said in a statement.

Perhaps the most recognized person in the world, Ali will be remembered for iconic victories over Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds in his prime, he also claimed the gold medal for light heavyweight in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy.

Ali famously thundered, "I am the greatest," and stated he would, "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

Muhammad Ali points to a sign he wrote on a chalk board in his dressing room before his fight against Archie Moore in Los Angeles on Nov. 15, 1962.

Harold P. Matosian

Considered to be one of the greatest boxers ever, Ali fought his way to 56 wins during his career, 37 by way of knockout. He was the first boxer to win the heavyweight title three times.

Ali's life outside the ring was just as enchanting, and controversial, as his career inside it. Ali, born Cassius Clay, changed his name when he joined the Black Muslims.

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In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, actor Max von Sydow poses at the International Film Festival Berlinale, in Berlin.

AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File

He also defied the draft at the height of the Vietnam War in 1967, stating, "I ain't got no quarrel with those Vietcong." Ali was subsequently banned from boxing for three years after refusing to join the U.S. Army.

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the early 1980s, which hindered his voice and officially ended his career. Doctors said Ali's Parkinson's disease may have been triggered by the thousands of blows he took to his head during his career.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.