Such sad news, but not unexpected. Ali was more than just a sportsman. He was a world-wide icon. At 9 years old, i obviously hadn't seen a great deal of boxing, but what bit i had seen appeared to me to be two men just trying to knock the stuffing out of each other - particularly in the heavyweight department. Then along comes Cassius Clay - and the bar was raised to a level some boxers just could never achieve. He brought a style to the ring never seen before, epitomising the word ;ringcraft'. The man was simply mesmerising to watch and when he spoke people hung on his every word. Hated by some Americans for his refusal to fight in the Vietnam war, but loved by millions. R.I.P. big man, you're suffering is over.