Last updated on .From the section Boxing

Muhammad Ali retired from boxing in 1981

Boxing great Muhammad Ali is being treated in a hospital for a respiratory issue, a spokesman for the former world heavyweight champion has confirmed.

Ali, 74, is being treated by doctors as a precaution and is described as being in a "fair condition". A brief hospital stay is expected.

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, after quitting boxing.

The three-time world champion was last hospitalised in December 2014 following a severe urinary tract infection.

A family spokesman confirmed Ali's condition to the Associated Press but did not divulge which hospital was treating him or when he was admitted.