Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali Died at Age 74. Aired 3-4p ET

Aired June 04, 2016 - 15:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[15:00:17] JIM SCIUTTO, CNN HOST: Hello everyone. I'm Jim Sciutto live in the CNN NEWSROOM here in Washington.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN HOST: And I'm John Berman live in Louisville, Kentucky outside the Muhammad Ali center in this city, the hometown of boxing great Muhammad Ali who passed away overnight at the age of 74. Any minute now, we are going to hear from his family. This is the first time they have had a chance to speak. This is a family spokesman talking right now.

BOB GUNNELL, FAMILY SPOKESPERSON: (INAUDIBLE). Muhammad Ali was truly the people's champion and the celebration will reflect his devotion to people of all races, religions and backgrounds. Muhammad's extraordinary boxing career only in compassed half of his life. The other half was committed to sharing a message of peace and inclusion with the world. Following his wishes, his funeral will reflect those principles, and be a celebration open to everyone.

Lonnie and the entire Ali family invite everyone to join them for the celebration in Muhammad Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

So, Muhammad Ali will return to Louisville within the next 24 to 48 hours with family members accompanying him. He will be the celebration of Muhammad Ali's life will begin on Thursday with a private family ceremony in -- for just the immediate family, children, grandchildren, cousins, brother. Then the next morning the family will gather at the funeral home location where they will be joined by the imam Sayed (ph) who is presiding over the funeral arrangement for prayers. And at that point, a rather large funeral procession will take Muhammad through the streets of Louisville to allow anyone that is there from the world to say goodbye, to celebrate the life with him.

He will pass by landmarks of the Muhammad Ali center where it's named after him that he lead and follows his principles. He will then travel down the street named after him Muhammad Ali Boulevard through his old neighborhood, and then come back up Broadway and Louisville where many iconic photos of him were taken, especially after the 1968 by Olympics victory, the parade for Muhammad that occurred. And will end at Cave Hill cemetery in Louisville where he will be interned in a private ceremony with family only.

At 2:00 p.m., the memorial service will begin at the UMP (ph) center in Louisville. It will be an interface service directed by the imam Sayed (ph). It will include clerics from multiple religions, including former Senator Orrin Hatch who will representative the Mormon faith. We will have -- we haven't confirmed all eulogists at this time, but eulogies will be led by President Bill Clinton, Brian Gumble, and Billy Crystal.

After the memorial, there will be a private reception at the Muhammad Ali center for friends and guests. And so that will conclude the service for Mr. Ali. At this time, I'll take any questions that you might have. Yes, sir?

[15:05:03] UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: They had a full day to say farewell to Muhammad. All family members, all his daughter and his son were in attendance and his wife. They got to spend quality time with him to say their final goodbyes. And it was a very solemn moment, as I have repeated since last evening. It was a -- it was a really -- a beautiful thing to watch because, you know, it displayed all that is good about Muhammad Ali. And the family displayed that and with dignity and, of course, there was sorrow. They Were, you know, in sadness, but it was done -- the champ would have been very proud of his family. Yes, sir?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: Muhammad became ill on Monday and was hospitalized Monday night. I'm losing track of time. Forgive me. Monday night he was in the hospital, but he was in fair condition. And we expected that to be the case. You know, Muhammad has battled back many times. And we expected it to happen this time. The family was called when things became more serious. We still had a lot of hope it was going to turn around. I arrived in Phoenix a couple of days ago, and then shortly after I arrived it became clear in discussions with Lonnie Ali and with his doctors that his condition wasn't going to improve. And so, you know, they were able to bring all family members in the last 24 hours when we knew that things weren't going to improve. They were given time to say goodbye.

Muhammad, his official time of death was 9:10 p.m. Mountain standard time. His official cause of death was septic shock due to unspecified natural causes. They're having -- it's very rough at this point. All family members are having a tough time.

(INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: I don't know that answer. Yes, sir, the back.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: There is not at this point in time. At a later time there could be something, but for right now all memorial services will be held in his hometown of Louisville.

(INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: I was not there. His final moment -- his actually final hours were spent with just immediate family. There were lots of very close friends that flew in to be with him, but they respected the family. They didn't go to the room. So I don't know. Yes, sir, in the back.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: They do. And they're very appreciative of all the outpours around the world, and that's why I think it was important to them to have a celebration and a memorial service that was open to everyone from all walks of life. You know, it's their heartfelt -- they certainly believe that Muhammad was a citizens of the world. And he truly was. And they know the world grieves with them and they received, as you can imagine, tens of thousands of well wishes and support.

(INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

[15:10:10] GUNNELL: Well, this entire service was his specific request. So, yes.

(INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: He did not suffer, no. I think the realization set in the morning of his death. A couple more questions, if we have them. Yes, ma'am?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: You know obviously, you know, the Ali family will continue to support those. Lonnie will be very involved and very active. And so, those will continue to go forward. What they have asked, and that brings up a good point, is that in lieu of flowers and cards that, you know, donations be sent through the Muhammad Ali center in Louisville, Kentucky. Two more questions.

(INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: Well, I think that's for -- I think that's for historians and for history. But I think he will be remembered as a man of the world who spoke his mind, and wasn't afraid to take a chance. And went out of his way to be a kind, benevolent individual that really changed the world. I mean, Muhammad Ali changed the way people challenged authority. And looked at it in a completely different facet. Last question.

(INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: Yes, and thank you. And so through the Muhammad Ali center website, MuhammadAlicenter.org. And it's in the release, I believe, that you got that you received. But through MuhammadAlicenter.org the actual service will be streamed throughout the world and translated as well. So they will be available to follow along.

(INAUDIBLE QUESTION)

GUNNELL: Well, it's going to be in the Muslim tradition, obviously that's why the by the imam is leading it. But Muhammad truly loved all people. And you know, he wanted - you know, this whole service, the service, the funeral plans were done years ago by Mr. Ali who discussed them personally.

OK. Thank you very much. There will be further updates in Louisville tomorrow night. Thank you.

BERMAN: All right. You have been listening to Bob Gunnell in Scottsdale, Arizona. That is where Muhammad Ali passed away last night at 9:10 p.m. local time. That's 12:10 eastern time. The spokesman for the family right there just gave us details of the funeral and memorial arrangements. It is extensive details. Very interesting details. Over the next 24 to 48 hours Muhammad Ali will return here to Louisville, Kentucky, his hometown.

On Thursday there will be a private service for the family only. And then Friday, Friday will be a day that, I think, will go down in history in this city, Muhammad Ali's hometown. There will be a funeral procession through the streets of this city by the Muhammad Ali center, where I'm standing right now, by his boyhood home, down Muhammad Ali Avenue, a street named after him. And then there will be a very public memorial service where Muhammad Ali will be eulogized by former president Bill Clinton, Brian Gumble, broadcaster, of course, and Billy Crystal, a comedian who had such a close relationship with Muhammad Ali over the years.

These arrangements were planned before by Muhammad Ali himself. It's something he apparently discussed very much over the years. The public memorial will be led by an imam, obviously. Muhammad Ali a Muslim. All faiths will be represented. For instance Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah will be there representing a Latter Day Saints, the Mormon faith. So very public, very inclusive. Those details just provided to us. So obviously, here in Louisville over the next week, a lot of events culminating Friday with the service.

We also learned a great deal about the final days, the last week of Muhammad Ali's life in Scottsdale, Arizona.

I'm joined now by CNN's Jason Carroll. He is live right outside that press conference.

Jason, give us some of the details over what happened the last few days. He went to the hospital Monday night and we went from Monday to last night when he passed away.

[15:00:29] JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right. Monday night when they checked him in. He was in fair condition. And you heard there, the initial thought he was going to be OK because he had pulled out so many times in the past and checked into the hospital and had pulled through. But it was not to be the case this time. And within the past 24 hours it became very clear his situation was getting grave. It was getting worse. So they called in all the family members to be here.

The family members were able to spend a full day with Muhammad Ali. As you know, John, he has nine children, seven daughters and two sons. His daughters were there by his side whispering in his ear during his final moments "saying we love you. We love you. It's OK to let go." I want to read something to you. This comes from Hana Ali. She

talked about some of those final moments. It's very poignant that, and emotional, and private but also extraordinary that she was able to put these types of words out there. This is what she said. She said in the very last moments, she said all of his organs failed, but his heart wouldn't stop beating for 30 minutes. His heart just kept beating. No one had ever seen anything like it. A true testament to the strength of his spirit and his will.

I also want to point out that Mariam Ali is a friend of mine. She has been a friend of mine for many, many years as you know. She emailed this morning about some of those final moments as well. And in her words, and her wishes. She just simply said "Jason, I'm happy my father no longer struggles. He is in a better place. God is the greatest."

You know, now that all of this has happened, I think about some of the conversations that I had with her. One of the conversations I had with May-May is what we call her, was about this particular moment. The family knew the time was coming and how they were sort of preparing for it. And John, you know, what she told me. She said look. You know, I grew up knowing this is a man, a father that I shared with the world. And even though I know this moment is coming, she said I know I wanted to be a private moment but I also know I'm going to have to share that with the world. And so, she was prepared for this. Prepared to share her father with the world even as he took his last breath.

Another point she brought up was the fact that he said, look, you know, at one point he had been out of the public spotlight for a period of time. And he said, you know, May-May, I wonder if anyone will remember me. I think he would be looking down at this moment and feeling very proud that his family was there with him at his side and that the world will be celebrating this man come next week - John.

BERMAN: So important that the family all got to be with him in those final days. The official cause of death septic shock due to natural causes. And as Jason related right there, even after his heart kept on beating, the doctors saying they never seen anything like it before. But then again, with Muhammad Ali, the world has never seen anything before.

Jason Carroll, thank you so much.

Obviously, Muhammad Ali transcends just sports, transcends just boxing, but he was the heavyweight champion the world not once, not twice, but three times. It's a select club of heavyweight champion. There are not many people who know what it's like.

We are joined right now by one man who does know. On the phone with us right now five-time heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield.

Mr. Holyfield, thank you so much for being with us. We appreciate your time now. And you, like so many others idolized Muhammad Ali from a very young age. Tell us about it. EVANDER HOLYFIELD, FIVE TIMES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION (on the phone):

Well, you know, when I was eight years old and I wanted to learn how to box and once the coach seen me he said do you not know you can be like Muhammad Ali? And I looked at him and I said I'm only eight. He said you would always be eight. And he said what do you think? I told him I had to ask my mom. And he said, you know, you got a good mom. So I went and asked my mom and she said, yes, (INAUDIBLE). And so my mother was proud of that. And because we knew that Ali was the greatest because he is saying he is the greatest. And it was amazing. If you believe you tend to receive it. And I wanted to be the greatest and when it came to 1984 I was an Olympic bronze medal. Ali was the gold medal. And again, 1990, I became the heavyweight champion of the world. And 1993 heavyweight champion of the world and 1996 and 2000. But all these (INAUDIBLE) if this man, Ali, who said he was the greatest. And when they you say you're the greatest and when they take the chance at being greatest, you become it.

[15:20:38] BERMAN: Muhammad Ali said he was the greatest and he proved it again and again.

You know, Evander, I'm outside the Muhammad Ali center in Louisville. And I spent the time inside. There's so much footage of Muhammad Ali. We are showing some still footage of it now. But Muhammad Ali in the ring, he was phenomenal. I mean, you cannot imagine how fast he was, how strong he was, how elusive he was. You know, as a boxing great yourself, describe his excellence to people who may not understand how good he was.

HOLYFIELD: Well, what I'm anxious about, you know, it was one thing to heard Ali say I'm the greatest than any man before me. And which set the present, it was set a great present to say, you know what, any person that was before me that was good I learned from them. This is how I became the greatest. And so, you know, we still like supposed to get better. And you know, it is one that when people talk about confident, when Ali spoke and said he was going to do something, you know, a lot of people take it arrogance. But when you do, that meant that it had to do with confidence. He wasn't afraid to take the chance at trying to be the very best he could be.

And my mother told me this, only people that don't make it are people who don't take the chance. People who take the chance to be great become great. If you don't take the chance, then we don't have (INAUDIBLE). So if you take a chance. So, you know, even with my record, you know, I got cash it and the chance proves (INAUDIBLE) you have faith. And when you have faith it shows you that you tend to win big events. And Ali proved that over and over and over.

BERMAN: He took that chance inside the ring. But he also took a chance in leaving the ring. You know, he gave up three and a half years of his boxing career. He was thrown out of the sport for three and a half years for his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War at what would have been his peak.

You know, what could he have done had he stayed in the ring? And I suppose a fair question to ask is, you know, would his influence have grown as great as it has. I mean, was not that but perhaps him even greater in the mind of so many?

HOLYFIELD: Well, you know, I'm sure and as they say, in life, things happen for a reason. But could have make him great because (INAUDIBLE) and you don't know how great he would have been had he didn't have the break. You know, in life, you know, in life it' it's (INAUDIBLE). And you know, I'm very thankful. I'm very thankful for all the things that Ali had done that I didn't have -- you know, it's just like my mom said. You know, I want you to be better than me. We don't have to make the same mistakes. Well, you are getting a lot farther. And I think that what Ali has done for us as people that I show -- I paved a way that you can take and pave it for someone else.

BERMAN: Evander Holyfield, champion in your own right, thankful for Muhammad Ali for what he did for doing those things so you didn't have to.

Evander Holyfield, thank you for joining us today. I appreciate your insights into Muhammad Ali on this day.

Sort time ago, President Obama released an emotional statement about Ali's passing. I want to read you a little part of it right now.

He said, Muhammad Ali was the greatest. Period. If you asked him, he would tell you. He would tell you he was the double greatest. That he handcuffed lightning, throwing thunder into jail. But what made the champ the greatest is that everyone else would tell you pretty much the same thing. In my private study, the president wrote jut off the oval office, I keep a pair of gloves on display. I am America, he once declared. I am the part you won't recognize, but get used to me - black, confident, cocky, my name, not yours, my religion, not yours, my goals, my own. Get used to me.

That is what Muhammad Ali said. And in some ways, it was a prophecy in this country. The world did more than just get used to him. They ended up revering him. One of the most beloved people all over the world especially here in his hometown of Louisville. His impact goes beyond boxing. Very personal to hear the poignant memories from the mayor.

Coming up, we will have that. Plus, we are also going to speak to the owner of a legendary Brooklyn gym, one of the places where Muhammad Ali trained. That's straight ahead.

(VIDEO CLIP PLAYING)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

[15:29:12] MUHAMMAD ALI, HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: (INAUDIBLE). It's nice to be humble. We're not going to be here long. A little fame, a little prestige used that to help others to better mankind, to make other people happy like the world champion walking down the street, which is a world champion just walking and approved of him. I mean, it means a lot. So these are things I do just get in my cars sometimes and just go run and get out and just walk. And just that is a dream to people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCIUTTO: Today the world mourning not just the loss of a boxing legend, because Muhammad Ali had influenced far outside the ring. Many knew him as a global humanitarian. Perhaps no word is that sentiment felt more than that in Muhammad Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. People are stopping to remember their hometown hero already today. At a memorial this morning, a flag lowered in honor of the three-time heavy weight champion.

Our Martin Savidge joins us now live from inside the Muhammad Ali center. It is a museum and cultural center built as a tribute to the man known as the greatest, one of - certainly one of Louisville's greatest sons.

Martin, describe the mood in there right now as you talk to Louisvillians about how they felt about him and what they miss about him.

[15:30:28] MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the doors has opened this morning just as many people woke up to the news as to what happened with the passing of Muhammad Ali. And you have been watching the crowd just as continue to grow throughout the day.

You find that people are drawn here for two reasons. One, it's a central place to come and everyone can mark the passing of the tremendous life. The other reason they come is to be reminded of just how great an impact that life was. If you haven't been here, it's a pretty phenomenal museum. And it encapsulates in small way the massive amount of impact Muhammad Ali had.

This morning the mayor spoke, and again, expressing that love of the hometown but knowing their heartbreak they shared with the rest of the world. Here is what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR GREG FISCHER, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: Muhammad Ali belongs to world, that he only has one hometown, the Louisville lip spoke to everyone. But we heard him in a way no one else could, as our brother, our uncle and our inspiration. And I am so grateful that I had the chance to know him and see how he leveraged his fame to share his message of love, peace and compassion.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SAVIDGE: Louisville lip, by the way, is a nickname that Muhammad Ali got very early in his career because of what was considering his boastful ways.

Just after the mayor spoke, that was a moving ceremony. The flags were lowered. There was an honor guard. And it is really just the beginning of this hometown starting its grieving process. A grief that they will, of course, share with the rest of the world - Jim. SCIUTTO: Yes. You know, you can leave your hometown but you never

quite leave your hometown behind. So tell us about the memorial's plan there for later this week. Today really just the beginning of remembering him.

SAVIDGE: Right. Yes, there's a whole sequence of events that are going to take place. We have heard in the next 24 to 48 hours Muhammad Ali's body will return to his hometown escorted by family. There is going to be a sort of private gathering that will take place on Thursday. It looks like Friday is going to be the real opportunity for the public, whether it be the people of Louisville or people, I'm sure, that will come from far beyond that. And there will be a procession that will wind through the downtown area. It's designed to try to allow as many people in this city in this area to pay their final respects to a man they love -- Jim.

SCIUTTO: A lot of folks going to want that chance. No question both inside and outside of Louisville.

Martin Savidge, thanks very much.

Coming up next reactions from the sports world to the death of Muhammad Ali that he was a champion both inside and certainly outside the ring. A legend who transcended the ropes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:37:04] BERMAN: All right. John Berman outside the Muhammad Ali center in Louisville, Kentucky where people keep coming in thongs to pay their respect to the boxing great. Really, a great beyond just the world of boxing.

The greatest there ever was, he once wrote he wanted to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times, who was humorous, and who treated everyone right. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him and who helped as many people as he could. As a man who stood up for his beliefs no matter what, as the man who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love.

He is being remembered as that and so much more today here in Louisville, his hometown, all around the world, and very specifically in the world of sports the right now. He meant so much to generations of athletes particularly African-American athletes.

I want to bring in CNN sports Andy Scholes right now.

Andy, you know, it is funny. I just came from game one of the NBA finals. Leaving there and everyone there talking about Muhammad Ali and how he inspired them all.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS: Yes. Absolutely, John. There are only a few people in this world that when they walk into a room or into a stadium everyone is in awe. Muhammad Ali was definitely one of those people. You know, he was a hero to so many athletes including LeBron James. LeBron told the ESPN last night quote "the reason why he is the

greatest athlete of all time is not because of what he did in the ring which is unbelievable, it is what he did outside of the ring, what he believed in, what he stood for. He is part of the reason why African- Americans today can do what we do in the sports world. We are free."

Tiger Woods echoed those thoughts tweeting, you will always be the greatest far more than just what you did in the ring. A champion to so many people in so many way.

Now Serena Williams, fresh off losing in the women's final at the French open earlier today posting this to Instagram. The true greatest of all time. What a sad day for everyone to lose someone so great and kind and someone who really stood up for what they believe in. He was my hero. He always will be.

Now, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson posting a very nice message overnight saying simply God came for his champion. So long, great one, #thegreatest.

Now, John, I only saw Ali in person once in my life. It was at the 2004 major league baseball all-star game in Houston, Texas. It was such awesome moment. Ali brought out the baseball to be used for the ceremonial first pitch. And it was cool. Ali, he started throwing punches in the air. Even threw an upper cut here at the end. Everyone in the crowd just going nuts and cheering and taking pictures. And it was really cool. All the players on the field, even, A-rod and Jeter you see there. They all wanted to get as close as they could to Ali and get a picture with him. One of the coolest moments I have been a part of.

And John, as one of many examples just how you can super star athletes they were even in awe when they were in the presence of Ali.

BERMAN: You know, Steve Smith, former NBA all-star told me that when he met Muhammad Ali he couldn't talk. He was so nervous. He was just speechless there. And that's coming from an NBA all-star.

Andy Scholes, thank you so much for sharing those memories and those thoughts from athletes all around the world.

The young fighter would someday become the legendary champion the world. Muhammad Ali, he worked out in a lot of places, one of them was (INAUDIBLE) gym in New York City. That was when he was known as Cassius Clay. We are going to speak to the man who owned that gym and watch the greatest in action. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:43:45] BERMAN: Today we're remembering the life of Muhammad Ali. Celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali as his family spokesman said a short time ago, he passed away overnight at the age of 74. The cause of death septic shock due to unknown and natural causes. We are hearing today from his family, fellow activists, his former boxing opponents, and a lot of people who worked besides him and watched him over the years. On the phone with me now is Bruce Silverglade owner of Gleason's Gym,

now in Brooklyn. I believe it was in the Bronx before when a young fighter known as Cassius Clay at the time was training to fight for the world title for the first time against Sonny Liston.

You know, Muhammad Ali, obviously, his legacy so important, but he not only did he ultimately change the world in many ways, but he changed the sport of boxing as well, isn't that so, Bruce?

BRUCE SILVERGLADE OWNER, GLEASON'S GYM (on the phone): Yes. You know, he is a boxing champion, a boxing hero, he's an American icon, and he actually changed the style of boxing. Prior to Ali coming in, you know, the boxing the traditionalists, the conservatism, were looking for sluggers. One of our champions boxed (INAUDIBLE) boxed with Sugar Ray Robinson five times and they were in wars five times. They had cut hands, broke the noses, cut eyebrows. And when Ali got in to it he said, no, that's not for me. I have a pretty face and I'm going to keep it pretty. So he used his speed and his boxing ringmanship to avoid punches to duck and weave and duck backwards. And the people in the sport then kicked on the people that didn't like him said he is a coward. He doesn't know how to fight. He doesn't want to go near and fight. He proved everyone wrong. He won three heavyweight titles, which is a tremendous feat, but he changed the sport because the kids that come into my gym today they all ask to be trained like Muhammad Ali. They want his style. No one wants to come in and says I want to (INAUDIBLE), be a bruiser. So he is has actually changed style of boxing.

[15:45:50] BERMAN: You know, (INAUDIBLE), you know, his longtime trainer inside the Muhammad Ali center says there's all kinds of video and quotes from him inside here. One of the things he said, he said Muhammad Ali was obsessed with what his opponents were eating. He wanted to know everything about them. So often we think, you know, about of boxing a game of sport of your hand and strength and for fear or your speed and in the case of Muhammad Ali. But he really, you know, turned it into a sport where you had to use your head, your bran. Outthink your opponent as well.

SILVERGLADE: Boxing is more of a mental sport than a physical sport, and Ali was a master at this. He knew the head game. He was smart. He was a type of person, a type athlete that was first in the gym and last out of the gym. He trained hard. He knew what it took to become a world champion. He trained really hard at it. He knew he had to get into the head of your opponent. You had to know what your opponent was eating, what your opponent was thinking. So he was a true champion. He wanted to be a champion. He did everything that he had to be a champion and remain a champion.

BERMAN: You said he listed as a, what, 7-1 favorite for the first fight in 1964 when he trained in your gym. One of the writers was writing about the fight saying, you know, Sonny, listen wasn't trade of anything. I mean, he was the guy one thing he was afraid of was crazy. So Muhammad Ali, what did he do? He act crazy in the weeks and months that lead up to that fight to get in Sonny Liston's head.

SILVERGLADE: Yes. You know, he did something that other fighters didn't do up to that point that he spoke to reporters directly. Most of the time when reporters want to speak to an athlete they had to go through a secondary trainer or manager. Ali spoke to the public directly. He told (INAUDIBLE). And then he spoke about his opponents. You know, he called Liston names. He calls him the ugly bear. He tried to intimidate him. It was something new in the sport. But Ali did everything he could. He wanted to act crazy. He wanted to be different. And, obviously, it worked.

BERMAN: Worked indeed. Three time world champion and a champion outside the ring as well.

Bruce Silverglade of Gleason's gym. Thanks so much for being with us. Really appreciate it.

All right. So many people posting online this morning tributes to Muhammad Ali.

UP next, you are going to hear from Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Michael J. FOX, and others.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This, the legend of Muhammad Ali, the greatest fighter there ever will be.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:52:05] SCIUTTO: Well, the internet exploded when word of Muhammad Ali's death broke. It becomes something of a public mourning place. Celebrities among them flocked to social media to pay homage to the greatest.

Jessica Schneider is tracking online reactions to Ali's death.

So Jessica, tell us about some of the most powerful voices you have been seeing out there.

JESSICA SCHNEIDER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Jim. People around the world noting that Muhammad Ali transcended sports. He was known not just for his athleticism but also for his cultural impact without spoken and his kindness. In fact the actor, Michael J. Fox teamed up with Ali after Fox revealed that he, too, suffered from Parkinson's disease.

Today, he wrote this. Ali, the greatest of all time. A giant, an inspiration, a man of peace, a warrior for the cure. Thank you.

And members of the Beatles first met Ali when they were in Miami for their first American tour back in 1964. Sir Paul McCartney writing this. Dear Muhammad Ali, I loved that man. He was great from the first day we met in Miami. And on the numerous occasions when I ran into him over the years. Besides being the greatest boxer, he was a beautiful, gentle man with a great sense of humor who would often pull a pack of cards out of his pocket no matter how posh the occasion and do a card trick for you. The world has lost a truly great man. Love, Paul. And a long Facebook post from basketball Kareem Abdul-Jabbar including

a photo and this line, Muhammad willingly sacrificed the best years of his career to stand tall and fight for what he believe was right. In doing so, he made all Americans, black and white, stand taller. I may be 7'2", but I never felt taller than when standing in his shadow.

And then these words from Oprah. The world has lost a legend and a real champion. #ripmuhammadali.

And Jim, that is just a small sampling of the outpouring of love, kindness and support all over the world and the internet, as well - Jim.

SCIUTTO: Enormous lasting effect clearly. Jessica Schneider in New York. Thanks very much.

Muhammad Ali, boxing legend, motor mouth at times, also a man of faith. He was a very devout Muslim.

Coming up, how Muslim Americans are reacting to his death.

Plus, one Muslim-American describes the time that he met Muhammad Ali.

But first, we want to introduce you to one of our CNN heroes who is saving women in Nashville, Tennessee, caught in the cycle of abuse and Addiction. Meet Becca Stevens.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's in every community. Trafficking, abuse, addiction. What we created is a movement for women's healing. I was almost like a slave to the drugs. I lost everything.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'd just turn a trick wherever as long as I could get one more hit.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can remember thinking that I'm going to die out here.

[15:55:03] UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When I was a small child, I experienced sexual molestation for years. It gave me a lot of compassion. The scars are deep, but it doesn't have to be the end of the story.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCIUTTO: Another person having a real effect. To see the rest of Becca's story, go to CNNheroes.com.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:59:24] SCIUTTO: Hello, everyone. I'm Jim Sciutto live in Washington.

BERMAN: And 'm John Berman live at the Muhammad Ali center in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the hometown of boxing great Muhammad Ali.

We have new details this hour about the final few hours in Muhammad Ali's life. Just a five minutes ago, a spokesperson for Ali's family released the official cause of death, as well as plans for the funeral. A spokesman said in his last moments, Muhammad Ali was surrounded by family.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GUNNELL: They got to spend quality time with him to say their final good-byes. And it was a very solemn moment.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: CNN's Jason Carroll is in Scottsdale, Arizona where Muhammad Ali passed away.