Family spokesman: Muhammad Ali death caused by "septic shock"

Muhammad Ali against George Foreman in 1974
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A family spokesman reveals that iconic sportsman Muhammad Ali died of "septic shock due to unspecified natural causes".

Boxing great Muhammad Ali died of "septic shock" brought on by natural causes, his family has revealed.

The three-time world heavyweight champion had battled Parkinson's disease for 32 years before his death on Friday night .

Alli, who become one of sport's most iconic figures due to his achievements both inside and outside the ring, was suffering from a respiratory illness in his final days.

In a statement, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said. "Muhammad has battled back many times and we expected it to happen this time. His official cause of death was septic shock due to unspecified natural causes. He did not suffer."

Tributes have continued to pour in for Ali, who won 61 fights over a professional career lasting 21 years, since his passing was confirmed on Saturday morning.

A public funeral will be held for the boxer next Friday in his hometown of Louisville in Kentucky.

Boxing legend and Louisville native Muhammad Ali walks into US Airways Center to watch the Louisville Cardinals take on the Michigan State Spartans during the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball West Regional Semifinal game at US Airways Center on March 22, 2012
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