Hossein Jaberi Ansari, Foreign Ministry Spokesman, in a message on Sunday offered his deepest condolences for the passing of boxing legend Muahmamd Ali late Friday at the age of 74, to his family, relatives, and fans around the world.
“Muhammad Ali was not only a celebrated and unparalleled champion in boxing, but what immortalized his name among all others was what in Iranian culture and tradition is called ‘Pahlavani’ creed,” Jaberi Ansari said in the message.
He went on to call Muhammad Ali as one of the pioneers in racial equality and the voice of human conscience against various discriminations due to the color of skin, ethnicity and race, adding “the name of Muhammad Ali will forever remind us of the rejection of imperialism, hegemony and warmongering.”
Iranian Foreign Minster Mohammad Javad Zarif also expressed his condolences in a Tweet on Saturday, saying “may the Almighty receive Muhammad Ali – the Greatest in the ring and in the fight for justice, dignity and peace – in His infinite mercy.”
Muhammad Ali – one of the world's greatest sporting figures and the former world heavyweight champion – died at the age of 74 late on Friday, due to septic shock after several days in the hospital with a severe respiratory illness.
His death drew massive responses from all around the world, and Iranian fans took to social media to share their grief and pay their respects to the late boxing legend.
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