Pacquiao pays tribute to Ali

Every modern boxing star owes a debt to Muhammad Ali, including retired world champion Manny Pacquiao.

In a recent interview with the Philippines news site INQUIRER.net, the pugilist-turned-politician expressed his gratitude for Ali, who died on June 3.

"Muhammad Ali's death is a big loss for the boxing industry, but life is like that, it is short," Pacquiao said, as translated by INQUIRER.net. "What is important is to be with God. He brought a lot of things to us boxers, he inspired us. He was one of my inspirations when I was just beginning my boxing career. I admire the humane way in which he considered others."