Ali in hospital with pneumonia

Boxing great Muhammad Ali was hospitalised with a mild case of pneumonia that was caught early and should result in a short hospital stay, a spokesman said.

The three-time world heavyweight champion, who is battling Parkinson’s disease, is in stable condition, said his spokesman, Bob Gunnell.

“He has a mild case of pneumonia and the prognosis is good.”

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

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