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Boxing legend losing battle with Parkinson's
According to a report in the London Evening Standard, Muhammad Ali is losing his two-decade long battle with Parkinson's disease and may only have "months to live."
A close family friend told the newspaper: "His condition has worsened. At this point, he may only have months to live."
But Ali's marketing agent, Harlan Werner, denied the report, telling BBC Sport, "Muhammad is fine and he has numerous appearances lined up.
"He had surgery on his back and was in therapy for that, but that had nothing to do with Parkinson's. He is fine."
While there seems to be some dispute over Ali's long-term health, there is little doubt that the Parkinson's disease is taking its toll.
Ali's manager, Howard Bingham, said: "(His daughter) Laila feels she is losing him."
Laila Ali essentially said as much last week in a story printed in the Los Angeles Times.
"I feel like the disease is progressing. Different things start happening as you get older. I have noticed a change in him, something that goes along with Parkinson's.
"It's painful for me because I would love to sit down and talk to my dad about the way he used to be when he was my age, when he was in his prime, because we are so much alike. I can't really do that. I can't share a lot of things with him."
The three-time heavyweight champion was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1985, four years after he retired from boxing. The 63-year-old is currently undergoing therapy following treatment for neck and back problems.
