Muhammad Ali stands over Sonny Liston after knocking him out in the first round of their second fight in May 1965/AP file photo by John Rooney

Boxing fans around the world are waiting to see if Muhammad Ali can win his latest fight with his deteriorating health.

Ali on Thursday was hospitalized in Phoenix with respiratory issues. By Friday, there were several reports that Ali had been placed on life support. Others speculated the seriousness of this latest hospital stay is being overblown.

Ali, 74, has been suffering for decades from Parkinson’s disease, which apparently exacerbates his breathing problems.

Ali, one of the greatest fighters in history, went 56-5 with 37 knockouts while fighting from 1960-81.