Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease which resulted in a breathing complication, according to a family spokesperson early Saturday morning.

Ali was admitted to hospital in the Phoenix area on Thursday evening which quickly drew family to his bedside as they were informed he had taken a turn for the worst.

It is said that the spokesperson told the Associated Press that this was something that had come about as part of the terrible disease in which he has been suffering from since the 1980's, however, this was a hospital visit that has been like no other.

Ali's Recent Hospitalizations

Ali had been placed in the hospital several times over the past few years, his most recent stay having been in 2015 for what was thought to be pneumonia, however, a later diagnosis revealed a urinary tract infection.

Earlier in the day, Bob Gunnell who was speaking on the family's behalf said that Ali was in fair condition, however, his stay would likely be extended as his body continued to give out, therefore, assuring those particular words.

Muhammad Ali poses for a photo. (Stanley Weston/Getty Images)
Muhammad Ali poses for a photo. (Stanley Weston/Getty Images)

Dr. Abraham Lieberman of the Barrow Neurological Institute had a chance to speak out about Ali's condition earlier in the day where he said, "I can't really say much more than what's in the papers." As for his Parkinson's doctor, he refused to comment when initially reached out to.

Taking a look at how it perhaps came to be of his terrible suffering, Sportsnet notes that all the punches he took could have easily contributed to the cause.

Ali last made a public appearance back in October when he showed up at a tribute dinner run by Sports Illustrated at the Muhammad Ali Center located in the downtown core of his hometown, Louisville, Kentucky.

Miami Marlins Make First Major Announcement

During a Major League Baseball game between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets earlier this evening, a picture of the legend came up across the jumbo board just minutes before the game's conclusion as Team President Dave Samson was told from someone close to the situation Ali had passed away, however, later realized the news had not gotten out yet with no one for fans to turn to for further information.

Just minutes, later, news came about that it was indeed true and Samson said he was just looking to get a tribute out as soon as possible therefore making clear that it was not a technical error which had suddenly taken place. 

From all of us at VAVEL USA, we wish Ali an easy rest and send our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones at this difficult time.

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