Here's a fresh take on a classic Ali quote...

Kenya's president Uhuru Kenyatta said Ali’s courage and determination will remain an enduring inspiration to the world.

“I convey my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Muhammad Ali’s family and friends. Indeed, the world has lost a great sportsman,” said the President.

Courtesy of our colleagues at BBC Monitoring

Sir Michael Parkinson has been busy on the BBC this morning and has just been talking to the BBC News Channel about the man he interviewed in four memorable programmes for the corporation. 

"He was the most extraordinary man I ever met. He could be threatening, when I questioned him about his views on race there was real anger in his response and I looked into the eyes of somebody I thought might fell me in one blow.

"That was just one aspect of a multi-faceted man and I loved him in a sense. When you look at all the thousands I've interviewed a few stand out - and he was the one that stands out most of all."

Ali was a hero to millions, including rapper and actor Snoop Dogg, who posted this wonderful picture on Instagram and wrote: "The people's champ. My hero."

Imagine a painter and decorator from the north east writing a letter to the world's greatest sportsman and inviting him to South Shields.

Well that happened in 1977 when Johnny Walker contacted Ali - and was amazed when the legendary boxer RSVP'd.

The Newcastle Chronicle recalls:, external "Ali accepted an invitation to travel from the United States to South Shields and help raise money for Jonny Walker's boxing club.

"During his four-day visit he toured the region in an open-topped bus as thousands of us took to the streets to catch a glimpse.

"He visited Newcastle’s Pendower Hall Special School and Grainger Park Boys Club. He sparred with local boys and ex-professionals, and played darts at Gypsies Green Stadium in South Shields."

The GOAT playing darts in Newcastle? Incredible. Has anyone got Floyd Mayweather's address?

Boxing promoter, Bob Arum paid tribute in a statement: "A true great has left us. Muhammad Ali transformed this country and impacted the world with his spirit." 

Arum, whose first bout as a promoter was Ali v George Chuvalo, added: "His legacy will be part of our history for all time." 

This is taken from the BBC World Service Facebook page., external Please send in your memories of Ali to #bbcboxing or the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Tayma Page Allies, external I met Muhammad Ali in Lagos, Nigeria, February 1980. He was US President Carter's Special Envoy to Africa re the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan. He visited the American International School, where I was a Freelance tutor. I stood behind him with three little boys I tutored who were so excited and jumping up and down. I knew he would turn around at some point - and he did! He looked me in the eyes and smiled a huge warm smile - I said, 'Excuse me Sir, would you please sign my autograph book?' And he did, slowly writing Muhammad, with all those M's....the boys were thrilled - and I couldn't believe I'd had the courage to ask him.

This has been tweeted by Paul Speak, Ricky Hatton's agent and PA.

This is when the world was first introduced to Cassius Clay, as a raw teenager who had just won gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics. I wonder what happened to the other three medallists in the picture?

Image source, Getty Images

Philippines president Benigno Aquino's spokesman Herminio Coloma says: "Muhammad Ali is a legendary athlete who touched the lives of people from all over the world, including Filipinos who witnessed the 'Thrilla in Manila'." 

Don King, who promoted that momentous Rumble in the Jungle, plus the Ali-Joe Frazier Thrilla in Manila in 1975, has credited Ali with launching his career in boxing. 

"Ali will never die," King told Fox News. "He was a fighter for the people and to become a champion of the people he demonstrated the type of character he was. 

"He had the fortitude, the inspiration, the motivation to stand up for what he believed in and to say what he means and mean what he said. He brought me into the sport of boxing - my first fight was Muhammad Ali. 

"Nobody can really say how great Muhammad Ali was because for four years at the height of his career he was jeopardised by trials." 

Image source, Getty Images

Here's the BBC News obituary for Muhammad Ali - there's some classic action in it which is worth watching...

BBC Radio 5 Live

More from Sir Michael Parkinson's interview with BBC Radio 5 live this morning about the great man he interviewed on four occasions for the corporation. "He was the only person other than Billy Connolly that put two million on the figures. 

"He was not a man without flaws. You have to consider those. But if you wanted to concentrate on what was attractive about him I could talk forever." 

BBC Radio 5 Live

Just a heads-up that there will be a special BBC Radio 5 live programme at 12:30 BST with special guests Steve Bunce, Mike Costello and Michael Parkinson. We'll remind you again later. Essential listening.

Teen music idol Justin Bieber posts a picture of a youthful Ali playing Monopoly and writes: "This is the ALI we should all remember! The fun loving man who was fully himself!! RIP CHAMP!!!"

Muhammad Ali had nine children from his four marriages - seven daughters and two sons. One of his daughters, Laila, enjoyed a successful boxing career of her own as she went undefeated in 24 fights with 21 knockouts. She retired a world champion in 2007.

Image source, Getty Images