Former president George W. Bush responds to death of Muhammad Ali

Former president George W. Bush issued the following statement on the death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali

"Laura and I are saddened by the death of Muhammad Ali, The Greatest of All Time.

I gave Ali the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and wondered aloud how he stayed so pretty throughout so many fights.

'It probably had to do with his beautiful soul.  He was a fierce fighter and he's a man of peace, just like Odessa and Cassius Clay, Sr., believed their son could be.'

Muhammad Ali was an iconic and historic figure who thrilled, entertained, influenced, and inspired millions.

Americans will always be proud to have been in his corner and called him one of our own."

Bush and wife Laura sent their condolences to Ali's family Saturday.