Boxing legend Muhammad Ali hospitalized with pneumonia

U.S. boxing great Muhammad Ali, shown here in 2006, has been hospitalized with pneumonia and is expected to recover because the illness was caught early, a spokesman said on December 20, 2014. REUTERSShow more

LOUISVILLE, Ky. // Boxing great Muhammad Ali was hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia that was caught early and should result in a short hospital stay, an Ali spokesman said Saturday night.

The three-time world heavyweight champion, who is battling Parkinson’s disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in stable condition, said his spokesman, Bob Gunnell.

“He went into the hospital this morning,” Gunnell said in a phone interview. “He has a mild case of pneumonia and the prognosis is good.”

Gunnell declined to say where the 72-year-old Ali is hospitalized. He indicated that Ali’s bout of pneumonia was caught quickly.

“This all came about this morning,” Gunnell said.

No other details are being released due to the Ali family’s request for privacy, he said.

Ali’s public appearances have diminished in recent years as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease, but he still enjoys getting out and watching sports and visiting friends.

Ali appeared in public in September at a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. Ali did not speak to the crowd but posed for photos with award winners, including former NFL great Jim Brown.

Brown leaned over and whispered to the seated Ali during the photo session. Later, Brown said he told Ali: “You’re the greatest of all time.”

Ali retired from boxing in 1981 and devoted himself to social causes. He traveled the world on humanitarian missions, mingling with the masses and rubbing elbows with world leaders.

Ali received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2005.

The Muhammad Ali Center, in Louisville, is dedicated to Ali’s humanitarian causes and showcases his boxing career.

Ali and his wife, Lonnie, have homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona; Berrien Springs, Michigan; and in Louisville.

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