Richie Woodhall: Muhammad Ali was the greatest

The three-time heavyweight champion of the world died aged 74 in Arizona.

Watching his famous 'Rumble in the Jungle' victory over George Foreman in 1974 at the age of six inspired Woodhall to take up the sport.

Twenty-four years later he was crowned world super middle-weight champion, a title he defended twice.

"Let's face it, he's influenced more people than any other," said Woodhall. "He's the biggest sporting star in history, never mind boxing.

"If you had to pick the most recognised sportsman in the history of sport, you'd say Muhammad Ali with Pele in second place. In my opinion he was the greatest-ever sportsman, full stop."

Unique

Ali's talent in the ring and wit outside it inspired a generation of boxers to pick up gloves. Woodhall was no different, and the 48-year-old paid tribute to his hero's impact on the sport.

"He's the person I've most admired in the history of boxing," said Woodhall.

"I still watch tapes of him now on a regular basis. How he moved as a heavyweight is incredible. He was very unique, no-one could move like that.

"On one hand it was a sad day, but on the other hand you have to celebrate his life and what a fantastic life he had.

"He was an incredible human being in and out of the ring and made boxing what it is today. It's a fantastic sport because of him really. He took it to another level."

Tributes have poured in from all over the globe. Even world leaders have chosen to honour the boxer, who was also a black civil rights activist and famously refused to fight in the Vietnam War.

"Muhammad Ali wasn't just a sportsman," said Woodhall. "He was a leader, in many ways, for people who are suffering all over the world.

"People looked up to him, and to do that, to transcend from sport into a political way is something that's not done easily. You have to be something pretty special."