Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech has led local tributes for the late Muhammad Ali, describing him as one of the greatest people to have ever lived.
Fenech, a three-time world champion, had a long-running friendship with Ali, who died aged 74 on Saturday (AEST).
For all of Ali's exploits in the ring, Fenech was also in awe of what the champion did outside the ropes.
"To stand up for what he believed in and for someone who was willing to give the heavyweight championship of the world away - and lose all his money - to stand up for what he believed in, I don't think there are too many people in the world who would do that," Fenech told News Corp Australia.
"He's not just the greatest fighter of all time but one of the greatest people to ever breathe and live."
Ali, who had long suffered from Parkinson's syndrome which impaired his speech and made the once-graceful athlete almost a prisoner in his own body, died a day after he was admitted to a Phoenix-area hospital with a respiratory ailment.
Along with a fearsome reputation as a fighter, he spoke out against racism, war and religious intolerance, while projecting an unshakeable confidence and humour that became a model for African-Americans at the height of the civil rights era.
Stripped of his world boxing crown for refusing to join the US army and fight in Vietnam, Ali returned in triumph by recapturing the title and starring in some of the sport's most unforgettable duels.
Ali's two-time opponent `Aussie" Joe Bugner, who twice went the distance with the great fighter, said his immense talent would ensure he was remembered as "the best ever".
"He was not only brilliant in the boxing ring but he was able to talk the talk as well. He was unique," said the Hungarian-born, Australian citizen Bugner to UK newspaper The Sun.
But he said Ali also felt he was "invincible" and didn't listen when encouraged to retire earlier than he did.
"What was allowed to happen to him should never have been allowed. He took too many punches to the head during his career," he said.
Australian boxer Danny Green also paid tribute to Ali.
"RIP to THE LEGEND. Thanks to this champion, boxers like myself were able to make a living from the sport we love. He was responsible for bringing the great sport of boxing to the masses. He captured the imagination of everyone," Green said on social media which accompanied a picture of him and Ali and the Sydney Olympics.
