Muhammad Ali Dying? Report Claims Boxing Legend Is Nearing Death After Being Hospitalized For Respiratory Issues, Family Preparing For The End

Muhammad Ali is reportedly dying, with sources claiming the boxing legend is “rapidly deteriorating” after a hospitalization this week. Family members are preparing for the end.

Ali has been hospitalized outside Phoenix this week with breathing problems, including what an insider has told Radar Online was an “unshakeable cough” that led hospital staff to sedate him. Ali has quickly taken a turn for the worse, the report has indicated.

The source claimed that Muhammad Ali was only able to breathe with the help of tubes, and that his breathing had become very shallow.

“Shallow breathing does not bring enough oxygen into your body,” the source claimed. “This exacerbates a number of unfavorable things, including, in his advanced case, fatigue, and constipation. The latter is a large intestine issue that negatively impacts the lungs & the skin. Ali no longer feels the touch on the surface of his skin, mosquito bites, or cuts, etc. due to his age. And this is a degenerative situation that can’t be reversed.”

With Muhammad Ali reportedly dying, family members have reportedly gathered by his side and are preparing for the end. Some close to the boxing legend also believe that even if he were able to survive, Ali would be left in a “vegetative state” and could be permanently unable to walk or even stand on his own.

Other reports seem to corroborate the claim from the Radar Online insider to allege Muhammad Ali is dying. The New York Post has also reported that two sources have said his condition is more serious than his previous trips to the hospital. Ali has been to the hospital several times in the past few years, including a trip last year for a severe urinary tract infection that was first diagnosed as pneumonia.

“The two spoke separately in describing Ali’s condition, which they say is concerning to family members. They declined to be identified because they were not speaking on behalf of the family.

“A spokesman for Ali said in a statement Thursday that the former heavyweight champion is being treated at an unidentified hospital for a respiratory issue. Spokesman Bob Gunnell said Ali was in fair condition, and a brief hospital stay was expected. Gunnell said in an email Friday there was no update on Ali’s condition.”

There is not yet an official word on Ali’s condition. Dr. Abraham Lieberman, who has treated Ali for Parkinsons, told the New York Post he has no further information about the boxing legend’s condition.

Many in the sports world have reached out to Muhammad Ali, sending their best wishes online.

Prayers & blessings to my idol, my friend, & without question, the Greatest of All Time @MuhammadAli ! #GOAT

— Sugar Ray Leonard (@SugarRayLeonard) June 2, 2016

Best wishes to The Greatest.
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay). pic.twitter.com/j49tlwq3w2

— Carter Collectables (@CarterCollectab) June 3, 2016

It’s not clear how much truth there might be to the rumor that Muhammad Ali is dying. There have been a number of recent health rumors targeting older celebrities, with some turning out to be false. That was the case with a report last month that singer Little Richard was dying.

The reports started after a cryptic tweet from fellow musician Bootsy Collins, who appeared to ask fans to pray for the dying singing legend. But, after rumors spread for several days, a representative for Little Richard spoke out to say that the rock and roll legend was alive and doing well.

“I just spoke to him today,” the singer’s longtime lawyer, William Sobel, told Rolling Stone. “He said, ‘You know, I want you to talk to [the press] because I’m really annoyed. This thing started on Facebook. Not only is my family not gathering around me because I’m ill, but I’m still singing. I don’t perform like I used to, but I have my singing voice, I walk around, I had hip surgery a while ago but I’m healthy.’ ”

If the current reports about Ali are true, he may not have much time left. The source told Radar Online that it “won’t be long” before Muhammad Ali succumbs to his latest health battle.

[Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images]