This story first appeared on Boxing Junkie, a USA Today Sports property.
Roberto Duran was receiving treatment for a heart issue Saturday in his native Panama, The Associated Press reports.
The 72-year-old Hall of Famer’s family stated on his Instagram account that he has an atrioventricular block, which, according to Yale Medicine, “is a heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat more slowly than it should.”
The Yale website went on: “It’s caused by communication problems within the heart’s electrical conduction system. For some people, the condition doesn’t cause symptoms; for others, it may be life-threatening.”
Duran’s family was anticipating more news.
“We are waiting for results so that we can provide more information on his health,” the family said. “We thank our relatives, friends and all of his supporters who are praying for him.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman posted on X: “His family is joined by the world in prayers for his successful and prompt recovery, he is a champion and will win this fight.”
Duran (103-16, 70 KOs) is one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Some consider the four-division champion the best lightweight who ever lived. However, he attained his greatest fame by becoming the first to defeat Sugar Ray Leonard and subsequent achievements.
He was one of the “Four Kings,” with Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns, whose fights against one another are legendary.
Like boxing? Be sure to visit Boxing Junkie for all your coverage of the sweet science and follow @BoxingJunkie2 on Twitter.
