Boxing icon Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74, a family spokesman has confirmed.

The former world heavyweight boxing champion was suffering from a respiratory illness, a condition that was complicated by Parkinson's disease. It was believed he had been placed on life support in the last 24 hours.

Ali, real name Cassius Clay, Jr. became known as "The Greatest" boxer to have lived winning his first world title in 1964 beating Sonny Liston, he would go on to become the first boxer to capture the title on three separate occasions.

He retired in 1981, having won 56 of his 61 fights.

In 1985 at WrestleMania I, Ali was named a special guest referee alongside Pat Patterson on the outside of the ring for the main event which featured Hulk Hogan and Mr. T (with Jimmy Snuka) vs. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff (with Bob Orton). Yankees manager Billy Martin was the guest ring announcer while Liberace with the Rockettes where the guest time keepers.

At one point Muhammad Ali punched Piper in an attempt to restore order to the ring.

It was a truly an entertainment spectacular!  

R.I.P Muhammad Ali