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UN chief mourns legendary U.S. boxer Muhammad Ali

Xinhua, June 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday said that he was "deeply saddened to learn of the passing" of Muhammad Ali, describing him as not only "a legendary boxer," but also " a world champion for equality and peace."

The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, extended his condolences to the Ali family and the many millions of fans mourning his death in every corner of the world.

Three-time heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali died at 74 Firday at a hospital in Phoenix, the capital of the southwestern U.S. state of Arizona.

"Mr. Ali was far more than a legendary boxer; he was a world champion for equality and peace," the statement said. "With an incomparable combination of principle, charm, wit and grace, he fought for a better world and used his platform to help lift up humanity."

Named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998, Ali travelled the globe to support children and others caught up in conflict, and to promote reconciliation between people and nations,the statement noted. "Well before taking on this role, he came to the United Nations in the 1970s to campaign against apartheid and racial injustice."

The secretary-general was honored to join Ali as a flag bearer at the opening of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, the statement said. "He recalls Mr. Ali's strength, humour and ability to bring people together."

"The United Nations is grateful to have benefitted from the life and work of one of the past century's great humanitarians and advocates for understanding and peace," the statement added.

As one of the greatest boxers in the history, Ali retired in 1981 and was soon found signs of sluggishness and neurological damage. He received treatment for Parkinson's disease there after.

Ali, known as Cassius Clay before he converted to Islam, began boxing training at 12 years old and won the world heavyweight championship at 22 years old in 1964. He won the title again in 1974 and 1978. Enditem