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Boxing world mourns Muhammad Ali

Fighters around the world were inspired by Muhammad Ali.

Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

With the passing of "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali last night at the age of 74, the boxing world has lost one of its true legends, perhaps the truest legend we had remaining.

To get a sense of just how much Ali meant to the sport and its fighters, here's a look at some of the reactions from around the boxing world.

Oscar De La Hoya:

"It is with great sadness today that we mourn the loss of the Greatest of All Time - Muhammad Ali. I send my deepest condolences to his family, and pray for strength and peace for them during this difficult time.

"Muhammad Ali is a legend and one of the world's most celebrated athletes, the fighter who ushered in the golden era of boxing and put the sport on the map. He paved the way for professional fighters, including myself, elevating boxing to become a sport watched in millions of households around the world.

"Ali's talent was undeniable - he was an Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time lineal world heavyweight champion, and the only one to accomplish that to this day, and reached the pinnacle of our sport as the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1964.

"Beyond his incredible talent, he also made boxing interesting. Ali was fearless in the ring, and took on the toughest, most challenging opponents. Ali exemplified courage—he never took the easy route, something to be admired in and outside of the ring.

"As he grew older, he didn't let his physical condition become an excuse to stop working; he continued to work hard, focusing on giving back to the community. Today, as we reflect on his life, let us remember a man who pursued greatness in everything he did and be inspired to hold ourselves to that same standard. Rest in peace, my friend."

Floyd Mayweather:

Today my heart goes out to a pioneer, a true legend, and a hero by all means! Not a day went by entering the gym that I didn't think of you. Your charisma, your charm and above all, your class are all of the elements that will be greatly missed by myself and the world. You are someone that inspired me greatly throughout my boxing journey and words cannot express how great you were as a person! Thank you for everything you've done for Black America, in the the world of sports & entertainment and for the legacy you leave behind! My sincerest condolences to the Ali family!

Amir Khan:

"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."

HBO Sports:

"We join the rest of the world in mourning the passing of Muhammad Ali and celebrating the legacy of this unique man in unifying us through his acts and gifts.

"Ali's charisma, grace, and genius transcended all races, religions, nationalities, and generations. His spirit will inspire people forever.

"HBO is honored to have known Muhammad Ali as a fighter of beauty and a man of principle. We experienced the joy of working with him in support of initiatives he passionately cared about including, most importantly, his never-ending desire to teach tolerance and understanding of others to all people.

"Muhammad Ali was an icon and hero, father and friend, and beacon of hope for oppressed people throughout the world. He will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched. There are not enough bells to toll this loss."

Showtime Networks:

"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."

Here are just some of the many Twitter reactions from the boxing world:

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