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The world continues to mourn the death of the “greatest of all time,” Muhammad Ali — who passed Friday evening in an Arizona-area hospital from respiratory illness — but a touching anecdote from the legendary boxer’s daughter shows he fought to the very end.

In a statement released Saturday morning on Twitter, Hana Ali revealed the three-time heavyweight champion’s heart kept beating 30 minutes after the rest of his organs failed.

“All of us were around him hugging and kissing him and holding his hands, chanting the Islamic prayer,” she wrote. “All of his organs failed but his HEART wouldn’t stop beating. For 30 minutes…his heart just keep beating.”

Ali, an author, spoke of her father’s courageous spirit, even after his children encouraged him to let go.

“We all tried to stay strong and whispered in his ear, ‘You can go now. We will be okay.’”

The iconic athlete, who was also known for his humanitarian acts and for being outspoken against racism and prejudice, was 74-years-old.

May he finally rest in peace.

SOURCE: Twitter, Instagram | PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter, Instagram, Getty

SEE ALSO:

The 15 Most Iconic Muhammad Ali Quotes

Boxing Great Muhammad Ali Dead At 74

Muhammad Ali’s Heart Wouldn’t Stop Beating After His Organs Failed  was originally published on newsone.com