23 Dec 2014

Ali condition improves

7:23 am on 23 December 2014

The condition of Muhammad Ali has "vastly improved" since he was admitted to hospital over the weekend with a mild case of pneumonia and doctors hope to discharge the boxing legend soon.

The 72-year-old was admitted to hospital over the weekend.

Boxing legends Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Muhammad Ali.

Boxing legends Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Muhammad Ali. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

A spokesman says the Ali family continues to request privacy and appreciates all of the prayers and well wishes.

A three-time world heavyweight champion and widely recognized as one of the best fighters ever, Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, made a rare public appearance in September to attend a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.

Ali, nicknamed "The Greatest," was diagnosed with Parkinson's about three years after he retired from boxing in 1981 with a 56 and 5 record.

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