WASHINGTON - Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is back at home following several days in the hospital, according to American media reports. Ali, who has Parkinson's disease and received follow-up care for a urinary tract infection this week at an undisclosed hospital, was released as expected Friday, the day before his 73rd birthday.
The spokesman said Ali is looking forward to gathering with family and friends to watch a college basketball game Saturday between the Duke Blue Devils and his hometown team, the Louisville Cardinals.
His family thanked fans in a written statement for "the outpouring of support and continued well wishes." In 1988, Ali visited Pakistan where he received a warm and affectionate welcome. Born Cassius Clay, the fighter won an Olympic gold medal as a light-heavyweight at 18. In 1964, he became world heavyweight champion in an upset victory over Sonny Liston.
Shortly thereafter, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali to reflect his conversion to Islam. The boxer was also known for his protest against the Vietnam War and refusing to be drafted on religious grounds. He won his first 31 professional fights before losing to Joe Frazier in 1971, a bout hailed by some boxing experts as one of the greatest of all time. He retired from boxing in 1981 as a three-time heavyweight champion and announced his diagnosis with Parkinson's three years later.