Boxing legend Roberto Duran, a four-time champion in four different weight classes, is receiving medical care for a heart problem, his family confirmed in a statement Friday.
The family of 72-year-old announced Duran’s condition in a statement, adding that he is receiving treatment after suffering “a health complication due to an atrioventricular blockade.
Roberto Duran celebrates in the ring after he defeated “Sugar” Ray Leonard during their fight at The Forum in Montreal, Canada on June 20, 1980. Roberto Duran won on a 15-round decision to win the World WBC Welterweight Title. (Focus on Sport via Getty Images)
“We are waiting for results so that we can provide more information on his health,” the statement continued. “We thank our relatives, friends and all of his supporters who are praying for him
WBC President said in a statement on X that Duran is receiving medical care 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.
Duran was world lightweight, welterweight, junior-middleweight, and middleweight champion, who saw immediate success in his professional career, winning his first 32 matches. He won his first title in 1972 and successfully defended it 12 times.
Duran won the welterweight division in 1980 against Sugar Ray Leonard, but lost in a subsequent match just months later, where he infamously said, “No mas” late in the eighth round.
Roberto Duran raises his arms in defeat as Sugar Ray Leonard wins the fight in the 8th round and becomes the new welterweight champion.
