Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is in hospital with a mild case of pneumonia, a spokesman confirmed on Saturday night.
The three-time world heavy weight champion is being treated by doctors at an undisclosed location and is in a stable condition.
Bob Gunnell, the former boxer’s spokesman, said in a statement: “He went into hospital this morning. He has a mild case of pneumonia and the prognosis is good.”
No further details are being released at this time to respect the family’s request for privacy.
The world champion has cut back on his public appearances in recent years, due to his struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was diagnosed with the disease in 1984 and remained active for many years, but lately he has grown so ill that his brother has claimed he can barely speak.
Ali last appeared in public in September to attend a ceremony for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, but did not speak at the event.
Since 1981, when the sportsman retired, he has devoted himself to social causes and humanitarian work. This led him to meet political leaders and members of the public across the world.
In 2005 Ali received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W Bush, at a ceremony in Philadelphia, for his work promoting civil rights and religious freedoms.
Additional reporting AP
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