Indeed, the Greatest has passed away. I just found out about this when i turned on my tv this morning.
He was the first boxer i idolized. He was known as Cassius Clay at the time. Well, he had legally changed his name to Muhammad Ali after converting to islam, but my parents still referred to him as 'Cassius Clay' since they had become fans of his since his days at the Olympics in the very early 60's.
In my teens, i went through a phase where i became an amateur boxer and a big part of it was due to my idolization of Ali. the great Sugar Ray Leonard was another factor.
Although saddened by the news of this great champion's passing, i also regard it as a blessing in disguise since this great man had literally been a prisoner of his own body over the past 2 decades due to the devastating effects of Parkinson's. It was sad to see him in his debilitating state the few times he made public appearances.
Long live the Greatest!!!