Mohammed Ali Hospitalised With Respiratory Issue

According to Gunnell the three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, who has long battle Parkinson’s disease, is in ‘fair condition’ and being treated by doctors in Phoenix, where he lives,

He however noted that Ali’s stay in hospital is expected to be ‘brief.’

“He is being treated by his team of doctors and is in fair condition,” Gunnell said in a statement datelined from Phoenix, where Ali lives. “A brief hospital stay is expected. At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy.”

Ali, 74, has been hospitalized a few times in recent years, including twice between late 2014 and early last year with a severe urinary tract infection initially diagnosed as pneumonia, but he has always succeeded in fighting back.

Nicknamed “The Greatest,” he retired from boxing in 1981 with a record 56-5, including 37 wins by knockout. In 1996, he created an indelible image by lighting the stadium cauldron with the Olympic flame at the Summer Games in Atlanta, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush.

Ali’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s came about three years after he retired. Doctors say the Parkinson’s was likely caused by the thousands of punches Ali took during his career, where he travelled the world meeting opponents in big fights.

Ali has kept a low profile in recent years compared to when he was much younger, with his last formal public appearance back in October when he appeared at the Sports Illustrated Tribute to Muhammad Ali at The Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

News of his hospitalization brought well wishes from boxers and others on Twitter around the world.