Muhammad Ali has died aged 74

Muhammad Ali has lost his final fight and at the age of 74 has died. He was surrounded by his family in a Phoenix hospital.

The boxing legend was rushed to hospital on Thursday after he suffered breathing problems, complicated by the Parkinson’s disease which he was diagnosed with in the 1980s.

After being placed on a life-support machine earlier this week, Bob Gunnell, a family spokesman, today released a statement announcing the death of the three-time heavyweight champion boxer.

“The Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Gunnell said.

It has been reported that four of the sporting legend’s nine children rushed to his bedside, with medics apparently telling them they feared he was “near the end.”

The funeral will take place in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.