Muhammad Ali hospitalized, in "fair condition"

PHOENIX, June 2 (UPI) -- Boxing great Muhammad Ali is back in the ring, this time battling a respiratory issue.

In Ali's corner is a team of doctors, who plan to look after him in the hospital for a "short while," according to TMZ Sports.

Ali, 74, suffers from Parkinson's disease. He is the oldest living former heavyweight champion of the world. He was taken to the Phoenix area hospital Thursday.

"...(Ali) is being treated by his team of doctors and is in fair condition," wrote family spokesman Bob Gunnell in a written statement, according to WDRB. "A brief hospital stay is expected. At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy."

Ali was last season in public in April in Phoenix, when he attended Celebrity Fight Night, a fundraiser benefiting his Parkinson's Center, Phoenix Children's Hospital, and Barrow Neurological Foundation, according to AZ Central.