"This one hurts. I have so much to say, but don't know how to say it...but for now, you will be missed & I appreciate you so much," stated undefeated former world champion Andre Ward, who shared his heartfelt reaction on his official Twitter account after hearing about the passing of boxing icon Muhammad Ali.
Ali passed away earlier today in a Phoenix-area hospital after battling respiratory issues. He was 74 years old. Ali will be remembered as one of the most recognized figures worldwide. He was as famous for his boxing matches, including his knockout of Sonny Liston, his trilogy with Joe Frazier and his "Rumble in the Jungle" with George Foreman, as he was for quotes like, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Check out how other boxers reacted on Twitter after hearing the news.
God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP pic.twitter.com/jhXyqOuabi
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 4, 2016
This one hurts. I have so much to say, but don't know how to say it...but for now, you will be missed & I appreciate you so much. #Ali
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) June 4, 2016
So Sad to hear the news #MuhammadAli has passed away #GreatestOfAllTime #RIPChamp
— Joe Calzaghe (@RealJoeCalzaghe) June 4, 2016
Ali, Frazier & Foreman we were 1 guy a part of me slipped away "the greatest piece" Muhammad Ali.
— George Foreman (@GeorgeForeman) June 4, 2016
Our sport has truly lost one of its pillars tonight. Unreal. #Boxing #RIP #MuhammadAli #CassiusClay #TheGreatest #OfAllTime
— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) June 4, 2016
A true inspiration for everyone around the world what a legend @MuhammadAli #RIPAli pic.twitter.com/aQa3TSeyd2
— Kell Brook (@SpecialKBrook) June 4, 2016
Woke up to the sad news @MuhammadAli has passed away. No more suffering for you now champ.R.I.P.. It Was an honour to of met you.#Greatest.x
— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) June 4, 2016
R.I.P. To the G.O.A.T. My man hero Muhammad Ali.... pic.twitter.com/YCGjWdWR6l
— Andre Berto (@AndreBerto) June 4, 2016
The Greatest. In boxing and in life, an inspiration to mankind. https://t.co/lfgd3H2gaT
— Gennady Golovkin (@GGGBoxing) June 4, 2016
Siempre idolo arriba y abajo del ring Trascendió más allá del boxeo #leyenda #MuhammadAli #TheGreatest @MuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/77J1yIvruW
— Julio César Chávez (@Jcchavez115) June 4, 2016
You will be missed #MuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/zMIt8fkBj8
— Freddie Roach (@FreddieRoach) June 4, 2016
You shook up the world over 50yrs ago. And you shook up the world today. THANK YOU #BLESSED #PRAYFORALI #RIP #MuhammadAli #TheGreatest
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) June 4, 2016
Words can't describe how I felt about this man.... #CassiusClay aka #MuhammadAli.... #RIP #GOAT #LoveU pic.twitter.com/htNYp84Zvs
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) June 4, 2016