The combat sports universe could unfortunately be close to losing one of its most recognized and influential figures, as legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali is reportedly hospitalized and on life support according to a piece posted by Fightland today (Fri., June 3, 2016).
Ali was reportedly hospitalized for a respiratory issue on Thursday, and a spokesman revealed that his condition was supposedly “fair” with the following brief statement that Ali would only be in the hospital for a short while:
“A brief hospital stay is expected. At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy.”
However, Ali supposedly took a turn for the worst, with the report stating his ex-wife Veronica Porche flew to Phoenix with their daughters, including Laila Ali, to be with the all-time legend:
“My daughters have both flown there and I will be hearing from them when they arrive at the hospital,” Porche, who was married to Ali from 1977 to 1986, said.
“I can’t comment more than that but I will say it is not so great, I’ll just say that much. He’s a real hero. It’s a sad situation.”
Ali contracted Parkinson’s disease in 1984, and that has apparently caused some complications with his recovery from the respiratory issue. Sources close to the situation elaborated on the serious matter in a report to The Mirror, which also declared four of his nine children were in Arizona with their father:
“Like in the ring, Ali is a fighter on the ward,” said a source. “Doctors are working to regulate his breathing put it is being hampered by his Parkinson’s.
“His children are all extremely concerned and dropped everything to be with him.”
The 74-year-old Ali is boxing’s most recognized figure and perhaps the greatest of all-time as he often referred to himself, with his highly-publicized feuds opposite Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston, and George Foreman the stuff of legends. His infamous “Rope-A-Dope” fighting style was a timeless, one-of-a-kind maneuver that both gained him legions of fans and endless detractors.
He was also a highly polarizing social figure whose strong beliefs inspired countless individuals to fight for civil rights and lead to great social change during his prime, and he continues to influence combat sports personalities to this day.
Ali also at least helped the creation of mixed martial arts when he took on famed Japanese pro wrestler Antonio Inoki in a bizzare ‘special rules’ fight in Japan on June 26, 1976, a bout that was refereed by “Judo” Gene Lebell and is still viewed as the precursor to modern MMA.
All of us here at LowKick MMA wish Ali and his family the best in this trying time. We’ll of course keep you updated on any relevant developments in the situation.
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