Muhammad Ali’s condition improved, says family spokesperson

By FinalCall.com News | Last updated: Dec 26, 2014 - 12:12:09 PM

Muhammad Ali

For fans of “The Greatest,” there was good news about the hospitalization of social-political giant and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. At Final Call press time, a family spokesperson said the man whose religious, political and social stances made him loved and reviled in his prime was expected to be released from the hospital soon.

Spokesman Bob Gunnell told the media Mr. Ali’s condition was “vastly improved” Monday, Dec. 22, after his hospital admission the previous weekend.

Mr. Ali, 72, had been hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia, according to the spokesman. The champ was being treated by his team of doctors and was earlier reported in stable condition.

The three-time heavyweight champion, who has long battled Parkinson’s disease, appeared in public in September to attend a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. He didn’t speak. He posed for photos with award winners, including former NFL great Jim Brown. Mr. Brown leaned over and whispered to the seated Ali during the photo session. Later, Mr. Brown said he told Mr. Ali: “You’re the greatest of all time.”

Few additional details were released due to the Ali family’s request for privacy, the spokesman said.

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

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

(Compiled from Associated Press and staff reports.)

The Final Call