San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan takes the Larry O'Brian Trophy from guard Tony Parker as he does a TV interview with ESPN announcer Stuart Scott
Jun 15, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) takes the Larry O'Brian Trophy from guard Tony Parker (9) as he does a TV interview with ESPN announcer Stuart Scott after game five of the 2014 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at AT&T Center. The Spurs beat the Heat 104-87 to win the NBA Finals. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN reporter and anchor Stuart Scott died at 49. The popular U.S. media person succumbed to lengthy battle with cancer.

ESPN president John Skipper confirmed the news. He appreciated Scott being "a uniquely inspirational figure" and "a true friend." He said that Scott engaged in mixed martial arts training in the midst of chemotherapy treatments and left a hospital procedure to return to the set. He also said that Scott's energetic and unwavering devotion to his family and to his work while fighting the battle of his life had left everyone in awe. Skipper said Scott left a void that could never be replaced. Scott received a standing ovation when he accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2014 ESPY Awards in July. He talked about his uncertain future during his speech. "When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer," USA Today quotes Scott, "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."

ESPN says that Scott has left behind a glorious legacy. The esteemed sports anchor defied criticism and convention to help bring ESPN network into a new century. His flair and style of speaking with athletes "changed everything," according to ESPN president John Skipper. Former ESPN anchor Dan Patrick says that Scott did not only "push the envelope" but "bulldozed it." Scott joined ESPN in 1993 for the launch of ESPN2. He was quick to move up the ranks as one of the major SportsCenter anchors. He popularised the term "Boo-yah" and was noted for unique phrasing to describe highlights. He even interviewed Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign. ESPN Senior Vice-President Norby Williamson said that he had called Scott "Boo-Yah" forever.

Steve Levy, who joined ESPN just before Scott in 1993, said that the audience recognised that there would be something special whenever Scott was on. SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris said that Scott made sports casting "cool." His talent inspired his colleagues. Scott, born in Chicago, grew up in North Carolina. He graduated in 1987 with a degree in speech communication.

Scott is survived by his daughters Sydni, 15, and Taelor, 19.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@IBTimes.com.au