TRIBUTES have poured in for Muhammad Ali, the heavyweight champion boxer who riveted the world with his sporting feats, his quick wits, his even quicker hands and his civil rights activism.  Ali, died aged 74 late on Friday, had endured a long fight with Parkinson’s disease.

Ali, who retired from boxing in 1981 after winning three World Heavyweight Championships, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years after stepping away from the ring. The funeral will take place in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, his family said in a statement.

Fellow athletes and celebrities were quick to offer their condolences to the legendary boxer.

Ali, Frazier & Foreman we were 1 guy a part of me slipped away "the greatest piece" Muhammad Ali.

— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) June 4, 2016

God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP pic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi

— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016

https://twitter.com/iamdiddy/status/738965900632686592

An inspiration. A legend. Forever a champion. RIP Muhammad Ali. 😢 pic.twitter.com/2TAlKmAOM8

— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) June 4, 2016

And now Muhammad Ali's watch has ended. pic.twitter.com/SsqhOBDGqw

— Lord Snow (@LordSnow) June 4, 2016

"The Greatest" made such an impact on the entire world #RIPMuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/LECBjQgfJA

— John Cena (@JohnCena) June 4, 2016

Ali, he was and always will be the greatest. A true champion in and out of the ring. May my friend rest in peace.

— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) June 4, 2016

#my2heros ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/nOweammxHB

— Naomi Campbell (@NaomiCampbell) June 4, 2016

The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life. -Muhammad Ali

— Buti Manamela (@ButiManamela) June 4, 2016

"I've made my share of mistakes…if I've changed even 1 life for the better, I haven't lived in vain."Muhammed Ali…RIP
U changed my life.

— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) June 4, 2016

Muhammad Ali was not just a Legendary fighter & Battle MC, he was, and still is an iconic figure for social justice & defiance of tyranny.

— Immortal Technique (@ImmortalTech) June 4, 2016