Bob Dylan has released a statement following the death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

On his website, Dylan said that Ali "truly was the greatest."

"If the measure of greatness is to gladden the heart of every human being on the face of the earth, then he truly was the greatest.

In every way he was the bravest, the kindest and the most excellent of men," Dylan wrote.

On his 1964 album, Another Side of Bob Dylan, the rock legend name checked Ali, albeit under his previous name, Cassius Clay:
"I was shadow-boxing earlier in the day / I figured I was ready for Cassius Clay," he sings.

The song was written after Ali defeated Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champ for the first time.

Ali died at the age of 74 on June 3.