http://www.wdrb.com/story/32125118/muhammad-ali-hospitalized-for-treatment-of-respiratory-issueHope he's okay.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Boxing great Muhammad Ali is hospitalized in the Phoenix area with what two people familiar with his condition say may be more serious problems than his previous hospital stays.
The people told The Associated Press on Thursday that Ali is fighting respiratory issues that are complicated by the Parkinson's that he was diagnosed with in the 1980s. The two spoke separately in describing Ali's condition that they say is concerning to family members.
The sources declined to be identified because they were not speaking on behalf of the family.
A spokesman for Ali sent out a release earlier Thursday saying the former heavyweight champion is being treated at an unidentified hospital for a respiratory issue. Spokesman Bob Gunnell said that the 74-year-old was in fair condition, and that a brief hospital stay was expected.
Ali has been hospitalized several times in recent years, most recently in early 2015 when he was treated for a severe urinary tract infection initially diagnosed as pneumonia.
A family spokesperson released a statement earlier Thursday:
"Ali, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in fair condition," wrote family spokesman Bob Gunnell in a written statement. "A brief hospital stay is expected. At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy."
