Former boxing champion Roberto Duran was receiving medical care for a heart problem, his family announced on Saturday morning.
A champion in four different weight classes, Duran, 72, “has suffered a health complication due to an atrioventricular blockade,” his family wrote on his Instagram account.
“We are waiting for results so that we can provide more information on his health. We thank our relatives, friends and all of his supporters who are praying for him.”
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealed on social media that Duran was being treated in a hospital in his native Panama.
“His family is joined by the world in prayers for his successful and prompt recovery, he is a champion and will win this fight,” Sulaiman wrote.
Legendary champion one of the best ever Roberto Manos de piedra Durán is in the hospital in Panama with a heart condition . His family is joined by the world in prayers for his successful and prompt recovery, he is a Champion and will win this fight pic.twitter.com/lBV11TlI3b
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) March 16, 2024
Duran held titles in the lightweight, welterweight, light middleweight and middleweight divisions during a boxing career that spanned from 1968-2001. He owned a 103-16 record with 70 knockouts before retiring for good after being involved in a car accident.
Duran also is infamously remembered for his rematch against Sugar Ray Leonard in New Orleans on Nov. 25, 1980. in which he reportedly said “no mas” — meaning “no more” — toward the end of the eighth round. Duran, however, repeatedly has denied saying those words at that time and claimed he actually said “no sigo,” which translates to “I won’t go on.”
Duran has blamed the late Howard Cosell, who called the fight for television, for spreading the “no mas” phrase.
–Field Level Media