The two people told the AP separately that Ali is battling respiratory problems that are complicated by his Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1984.
Bob Gunnell, the Ali family spokesman, downplayed the dire reports when contacted by The Courier-Journal Friday. He said that Ali's condition remains the same.
Dr. Abraham Lieberman of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and Ali's longtime Parkinson's doctor told the AP Thursday night he "can't really say much more than what's in the papers."
ORIGINAL STORY, 3:14 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has been hospitalized in Phoenix, where he lives.
Ali, 74, is in the hospital for respiratory issues, according to a statement from the family spokesman.
"He is being treated by his team of doctors and is in fair condition," Gunnell said. "A brief hospital stay is expected. At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy."
The three-time heavyweight champion suffers from Parkinson's disease.
SportsCenter reported that Ali was previously hospitalized twice between 2014 and 2015 for a severe urinary tract infection.
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