Ali, an inspiration to so, so many

Photo: Bradley Ormesher

Boxer Anthony Crolla

THE Oldham and Manchester boxing fraternity were quick to mourn the loss of the sport's greatest icon over the weekend.

Within hours of the news coming through of Muhammad Ali's death early on Saturday, the legendary boxer's name was trending on social media cross the globe.

Presidents, politicians, musicians and celebrities paid their respects to 'the Greatest', led locally by Chadderton-based Anthony 'Million Dollar' Crolla (pictured above) - the current WBA World lightweight champion.

Crolla Tweeted: "The passing of a great, an icon, a man who inspired so many and who does so much for his people.

Crolla's popular trainer Joe Gallagher, who went on to guide Liam Smith to WBO World super-welterweight title glory on Saturday evening, again saluted Ali the inspiration.

Gallagher Tweeted: "Olympic champion, world champion, the people's champion. The Greatest, Muhammad Ali, a man who inspired so, so many RIP."

Oldham's two newest amateur champions - England Boxing Elite kings Danny Wright and Will Cawley - also added personal tributes.

Wright Tweeted: "RIP to the Greatest and most inspirational man on the planet." That says it all really. Cawley said on Facebook: "RIP you legend. What a great man."

Shaw's former champion Darren Stubbs, who now runs Stubby's Gym, took to Facebook to offer his condolences.

Accompanied by a picture of Ali watching over one of his downed opponents, Stubbs said: "What a shame. A lovely boxer and a lovely bloke. RIP Ali."

As for arguably Manchester's most popular boxer ever, Ricky Hatton, he released a lengthy statement following the death of Ali.

'The Greatest' had been to Hyde in 2009 to officially open Hatton's brand new gym, and he had left lots of cherished memories.

Hatton said: "The passing of the legendary Muhammad Ali is not only a very sad loss for boxing, but for the whole of the sport.

"He was quite simply the greatest and most iconic athlete the world has ever known."