ESPN joins the world in mourning the passing but celebrating the remarkable life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Equal parts world champion and humanitarian, Ali died late Friday in Phoenix, a family spokesman said.

He was 74.

ABC Sports commentator Howard Cosell’s Ali fight calls and interviews provided memorable sports television in the 1960s and ’70s. In 1997, Ali attended the ESPYS and accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. ESPN Films has produced six projects regarding Ali’s life, including the 30 for 30 film “Muhammad and Larry” and the 30 for 30 Short “Ali: The Mission.”

“We are sad to hear of the passing of Muhammad Ali,” ESPN President John Skipper said. “However, we revel in the memory of his athletic excellence in the ring, we recollect with pleasure the charm of the charismatic young man from Louisville who would shock the world and we celebrate the dramatic achievement of a champion of civil rights who changed the world. In many ways, he was truly the greatest of all time.”

Below are thoughts about Ali from ESPN commentators and executives, video and photos from Ali’s interactions with ESPN and ABC, and some social media reaction to his passing.

Vice President and Executive Producer, ESPN Films and Original Content, John Dahl, on the making of the 30 for 30 film “Muhammad and Larry”
“Muhammad Ali always made for such a compelling documentary subject. We produced a major initiative to commemorate his 65th birthday that included the Emmy-nominated ‘Ali Rap.’ Then a couple of years later, he was among those at the top of our list for the launch of the 30 for 30 series. Filmmaker Albert Maysles and his brother David had tremendous access to Ali and Larry Holmes prior to their 1980 heavyweight championship fight and the footage they had shot was captivating. But the project that was planned back then didn’t really come together after Ali lost that fight under heartbreaking circumstances. When we were lining up our first 30 for 30 films though, we connected with Albert and took a fresh look at making a film out of all the engrossing behind-the-scenes footage that could still capture the essence of what made Muhammad Ali so beloved and special. The result was ‘Muhammad and Larry’ – one of our first 30 for 30 documentaries and a film that was key in building early momentum for the series.”

Teddy Atlas, ESPN boxing analyst, boxing trainer
“It was not his chin that was made of granite, it was his beliefs and that is what will stand him through time.”

Joe Tessitore, voice of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN
“Like many longtime boxing observers and historians, I do not believe Ali to be the best fighter to ever step through the ropes. He just wasn’t that. What he was far exceeded pound-for-pound lists. Ali was raw energy funneled into man’s purpose. He was flawed and yet brilliant. He was not perfect, yet perfectly gifted. He was the greatest of all-time. In my lifetime American sports has never, and will never, produce another athlete so globally recognizable and socially significant. I was a kid of the 70’s growing up as part of those two generations overtaken by the aura of Ali. That tidal wave of fame had you knowing there was Ali and everyone else.”

Marysol Castro, host of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN
“Boxing quite literally eats athletes up and spits them out. Muhammad Ali transcended the sport both inside the ring and out. He inspired a nation to fight real battles surrounding race and culture. He provided words that any human, athlete or not, can lean on in the face of adversity. He truly was The Greatest.”

Todd Grisham, SportsCenter anchor, ESPN boxing commentator
“Muhammad Ali was a genius. Pure and simple. No matter what he decided to do in life he would have been ‘the greatest.’ His boxing skills were only matched by his verbal ones. When Ali spoke, people listened even if they didn’t like what was said. As much as Ali destroyed people in the ring, he did his best to build a better world outside of it. Ali’s humanitarian deeds will long be appreciated after his death. Perhaps my favorite Ali quote is one that we can all relate to. ‘If they could make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can surely make something out of you.’ So true, and so Muhammad Ali. Rest in peace.”

By Showtime Sports 

Statement on the pass of Muhammad Ali:

Muhammad Ali was The Greatest of all time.  Perhaps the greatest in any sport.  The outpouring of emotion currently taking place around the world is a testament to his impact beyond boxing and beyond sports.

On behalf of everyone at Showtime Networks, and our extended boxing family, we offer our condolences to the Ali family and to the millions of people the world over that were inspired by his grace, poise and prowess in life.

Amir Khan Statement On Passing Of Muhammad Ali

Amir Khan has issued the following statement following the death of boxing icon Muhammad Ali:

"It is extremely sad to witness the passing of boxing's greatest fighter and icon Muhammad Ali. I would like to send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his family at this time. No fighter or sportsman will ever reach the level of Muhammad Ali, whose name will continue to echo through the ages. Inspiring, charismatic, a true legend - Ali will never be forgotten. Having the chance to meet the great man will be a memory and privilege I will always hold dear to me - an incredible human being, fighter and role model. Thank you Muhammad for inspiring us all."

RICKY HATTON STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF MUHAMMAD ALI

I was extremely saddened to wake up this morning and be told of the passing of the legendary Muhammad Ali.
 
It is not only a very sad loss for boxing, but for the whole of sport as he was quite simply the greatest and most iconic athlete the world has ever known.
 
I used to collect boxing fights on VHS as a kid and Muhammad was a big favourite for me. He had speed and timing that few heavyweights possess as well as having the sort personality that drew you in.
 
I was very honoured when agreed to officially open my gym, Hatton Health and Fitness, in August 2009. It was a dream come true to meet him and that day is one of the proudest moments of my life.
 
We took him for a walk around Hyde afterwards and the place came to a standstill. Everywhere you looked there were people pulling over in their cars just so they could get a glimpse of the man.
 
There’s few things that have pleased me more than seeing the people of our small town so thrilled at someone’s presence.
 
He was so nice to everyone as well. Although Parkinson’s was taking its toll on him by then, he made time for people and nothing was too much for him.
 
Inside the ring, he was simply the greatest of all-time and I don’t think we’ll see another fighter like him again. Outside of it, he took on the American government and helped bring about social change so a lot of people should be very thankful to Muhammad.
 
My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.