Muhammad Ali Hospitalized in Phoenix with Respiratory Ailment, Reports Say

Muhammad Ali has been hospitalized in the Phoenix area due to respiratory issues, reports say.

Ali’s spokesperson Bob Gunnell released a statement Thursday night saying the 74 year old is being treated by his team of doctors and is in “fair condition.” The statement said that only a “brief stay” at the hospital is expected.

However, sources close to Ali told the Associated Press that his condition may be more serious than reported. They said his respiratory issues are being complicated by the Parkinson’s he was diagnosed with in the 80s. They went on to say that Ali’s condition is concerning to his family members.

The sources did not want to be identified as they were not speaking on behalf of Ali’s family.

The boxing legend was previously hospitalized in January of last year with a severe urinary tract infection. Previous to that, he was hospitalized in December 2014 with pneumonia.

Muhammad Ali’s last formal public appearance was in October when he appeared at the Sports Illustrated Tribute to Muhammad Ali at The Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Ali was also seen in Phoenix back in April at the annual Celebrity Fight Night dinner, which raises funds for treatment of Parkinson’s.