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Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali dead at 74

Ali fought several fights in Las Vegas
Posted at 9:34 PM, Jun 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-06 15:01:27-04

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74, according to ABC News.

The three-time heavyweight champion, who had been suffering from Parkinso's disease since 1984, had been hospitalized in Arizona with respiratory issues before his death. 

PHOTOS: Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas (courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau)

Las Vegas boxing promoter Bob Arum sent out the following tweet after news of Ali's death broke. 

Arum also issued the following statement:
 
"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, 84, promoted more Ali fights than anyone.  On March 29, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first promotion -- Ali vs. George Chuvalo.  It was also the first fight Arum ever attended.  Arum is Founder and CEO of Top Rank, Inc. (FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE)
 
 
Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip changed their marquee at 11 p.m. Friday in memory of Ali, who was inducted in the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame last year.
 
Ali fought 7 out of 61 fights in Las Vegas beginning in 1961. He won five of those fights.

Those fights included:

  • Muhammad Ali vs. Duke Sabedong, Las Vegas Convention Center, June 26, 1961, Win
  • Muhammad Ali vs. Floyd Patterson, Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 22, 1965, Win
  • Muhammad Ali vs. Jerry Quarry Las Vegas Convention Center, June 27, 1972, Win
  • Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Bugner, Las Vegas Convention Center, Feb. 14, 1973, Win
  • Muhammad Ali vs. Rob Lyle Las Vegas Convention Center, May 16, 1975, Win
  • Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks, Hilton Hotel, February 2, 1978, Loss
  • Muhammad Ali vs. Larry Holmes, Oct. 2, 1980, Loss

WATCH FIGHT BETWEEN MUHAMMAD ALI AND FLOYD PATTERSON

WATCH FIGHT BETWEEN MUHAMMAD ALI AND JERRY QUARRY

WATCH FIGHT BETWEEN MUHAMMAD ALI AND JOE BUGNER

WATCH FIGHT BETWEEN MUHAMMAD ALI AND ROB LYLE

WATCH FIGHT BETWEEN MUHAMMAD ALI AND LEON SPINKS

WATCH FIGHT BETWEEN MUHAMMAD ALI AND LARRY HOLMES

OTHER LAS VEGAS CONNECTIONS

Muhammad Ali attended a show by Elvis Presley at the Las Vegas Hilton on Feb. 2, 1973. Presley gave Ali a robe emblazoned with rhinestones with the words "The People's Choice" on the back. Ali gave Presley a pair of autographed, red gloves inscribed "You are the Greatest."

Muhammad Ali was a pallbearer at the funeral for heavyweight legend Joe Louis on April 17, 1981. The funeral was held in the boxing ring at the Caesars Palace Sports Pavilion.

Muhammad Ali attended bout between Evander Holyfield and George Foreman at Caesars Palace on April 19, 1991.

Muhammad Ali attended the weigh-in on Jan. 14, 1999, for then-heavyweight contender Mike Tyson, who went on toe knock out Francois Botha in the 5th round two days later.

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum at The Venetian opened in 1999 with one of the wax figures of Muhammad Ali in his prime.

Muhammad Ali made an announcement in March 2000 at The Mirage about an upcoming movie based on his life starring Will Smith.

Muhammad Ali was honored at the 16th annual Power of Love Gala on Feb. 18, 2012. Event attended by Snoop Dogg, legendary boxers Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield and Tommy "Hitman" Hearns, LL Cool J, Diddy, Samuel L. Jackson, David Beckham, Lenny Kravitz, Kelly Rowland, Cindy Crawford, Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Andre Agassi, James Gandolfini, Tony Danza, Sammy Hagar, Terrence Howard and many more.


 

Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, is also a boxer and has boxed in Las Vegas several times. Another daughter, Rasheda Ali Walsh, lives in Las Vegas with two children. 

A jewelry collection inspired by Muhammad Ali launched on June 2 during the JCK Luxury Show with an exclusive party at MGM Grand. Collection includes cufflinks, boxing glove charms and necklaces featuring Ali's signature, famous photos and quotes, all created with precious metals and diamonds.

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PHOTOS: Muhammad Ali through the years