Muhammad Ali: College sports world pays tributes to legendary boxer

The sports world lost a true legend on Friday when legendary boxer Muhammad Ali passed away at 74 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Ali was not only a remarkable boxing talent, winning 56 of his 61 career fights and becoming the heavyweight champion of the world on three separate occasions, he was also a dedicated political activist and an African-American icon during the civil rights era.

Ali’s place in sports and American history will never be forgotten, and many in the college sports community paid tribute to his special life following the news of his passing.

Today we pause to remember the world’s greatest. #RIPMuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/wdPSY31g89

— Louisville Athletics (@GoCards) June 4, 2016

"Don't count the days. Make the days count.” RIP to #TheGreatest @MuhammadAli.

: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/vQQ3gzQwtT

— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) June 4, 2016

We lost a legend, champion, and an inspiration. #RIPChamp pic.twitter.com/7PAjmmIN3A

— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) June 4, 2016

He will be missed & was truly #TheGreatest. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/vZQ0QKShCM

— Bob Stoops (@OU_CoachStoops) June 4, 2016

ALWAYS aim to be The Greatest. pic.twitter.com/ELe2GNOL27

— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) June 4, 2016

Icon for leadership and toughness. #RIPMuhammadAli pic.twitter.com/cjD5VUYRcN

— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) June 4, 2016

He was the Greatest because he believed he was the Greatest. His heart for others showed he was the Greatest!! https://t.co/8pIiofviRz

— Kevin Ollie (@CoachKO_UConn) June 4, 2016

Muhammad Ali's passing is a sad day for our world. THE CHAMP! Thoughts and prayers to Lonnie and the Ali family.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) June 4, 2016