How Did Muhammad Ali Die?

Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

In 1984, Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination. However, many experts believe that Ali had been showing symptoms of the disease for years before his diagnosis.

Some speculate that Ali’s boxing career may have contributed to his Parkinson’s disease, as repeated head trauma has been linked to an increased risk of developing the condition. Ali was known for his aggressive fighting style and willingness to take hits in the ring, which may have put him at greater risk for brain injury.

While Ali initially tried to keep his Parkinson’s diagnosis private, he eventually went public with his condition in 1987, hoping to raise awareness and funding for research into the disease. Despite his declining health, Ali continued to be a prominent figure in the world of boxing and a beloved public figure, known for his charisma, wit, and commitment to social justice.

Declining Health and Retirement from Boxing

As Muhammad Ali’s Parkinson’s disease progressed, he began to experience more severe symptoms, including difficulty speaking and walking. Despite these challenges, Ali continued to make public appearances and engage in advocacy work, using his fame to draw attention to issues such as poverty, racism, and international conflict.

However, Ali’s health eventually made it impossible for him to continue boxing, and he announced his retirement from the sport in 1981. Over the next few decades, he remained active in the world of boxing as a trainer and mentor, but his own days as a competitor were over.

Ali’s declining health also led to a series of hospitalizations in his later years. He was hospitalized in 2014 for pneumonia and again in 2015 for a urinary tract infection. In June 2016, he was hospitalized for what was initially reported as respiratory issues, but which was later revealed to be septic shock due to an unspecified infection.

Despite these health setbacks, Ali remained a beloved figure around the world and continued to inspire others with his courage, determination, and commitment to social justice.

Hospitalization and Treatment in Later Years

In the years leading up to his death, Muhammad Ali experienced a number of health problems that required hospitalization and medical treatment. In addition to his respiratory issues and septic shock, he was also treated for a urinary tract infection and underwent surgery for a blocked respiratory tract.

In December 2014, Ali was admitted to a hospital in Arizona for a urinary tract infection, which was complicated by his Parkinson’s disease. He was later hospitalized again in January 2015 for what was initially reported as a severe urinary tract infection, but which was later revealed to be pneumonia.

In June 2016, Ali was hospitalized in Phoenix, Arizona for respiratory problems, and his family was reportedly told that his condition was serious. However, Ali’s condition stabilized and he was able to return home after a few days in the hospital.

Unfortunately, Ali’s health continued to decline, and he passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74. His death was attributed to septic shock due to unspecified natural causes, although his Parkinson’s disease and other health issues likely contributed to his decline.

Legacy of Muhammad Ali after his Death

Muhammad Ali’s death in 2016 was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from people around the world. Many remembered him as a boxing legend and cultural icon, but his legacy extended far beyond the sport of boxing.

Ali was known for his outspokenness and his activism on behalf of civil rights, social justice, and humanitarian causes. He was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and refused to be drafted into the military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. He was also a staunch advocate for racial equality and worked to promote peace and understanding between different cultures and religions.

In the years since his death, Ali’s legacy has continued to inspire and influence people around the world. He has been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and films, and his words and actions continue to be studied and celebrated by activists and scholars.

Ali’s commitment to social justice and his willingness to use his platform to speak out on behalf of marginalized communities remains an enduring part of his legacy, and his impact on the world of sports and beyond is likely to be felt for many years to come.

Muhammad Ali’s Boxing Career and Achievements

Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, and his career was marked by numerous accomplishments and milestones. He won his first professional fight in 1960 at the age of 18 and went on to win his first world heavyweight title in 1964, defeating Sonny Liston in a major upset.

Over the course of his career, Ali won numerous titles and set several records, including becoming the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times. He also participated in some of the most iconic fights in boxing history, including the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier in 1971 and the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman in 1974.

In addition to his accomplishments in the ring, Ali was known for his showmanship and his brash, outspoken personality. He coined several memorable catchphrases, including “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” and he was known for taunting his opponents both before and during fights.

Despite his numerous successes, Ali’s boxing career was not without controversy. He was stripped of his titles and banned from boxing for several years after refusing to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, and he also faced criticism for his treatment of opponents such as Joe Frazier.

Nevertheless, Ali’s legacy as a boxer and cultural icon remains strong, and he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of sports.