Report: Muhammad Ali hospitalized and on life support

According to reports, boxing legend Muhammad Ali is on life support. The 74 year old former world champion was hospitalized Thursday with respiratory issues, but it now appears those problems are worse than originally thought.

Reports indicate that Ali's family has flown in to the Phoenix area to be with him, and that doctors have cautioned that he is "near the end".

Ali has battled health issues over the years, starting with a diagnosis of Parkinson's in the 1980's. In recent years, he has also been hospitalized at times for pneumonia among other ailments.

Ali is considered by many to be the greatest Heavyweight champion of all time. His classic fights with Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Sonny Liston among many others are all landmark moments in boxing history. Outside of the ring, his loud and brash persona drew numerous fans and critics alike. He made big waves both for changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali and for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War. He was an icon not just of boxing, but of America for many years, and is undeniably one of the biggest stars in the history of combat sports.

We will have updates on Ali's condition as they are available.