Boxing Legend Roberto Durán Hospitalized for Heart Complication
Roberto Durán, the iconic Panamanian boxer known as “Manos de Piedra” (Hands of Stone), is currently receiving medical treatment for a heart issue, his family confirmed on Saturday. The 72-year-old former world champion in four weight classes has been hospitalized due to an atrioventricular blockade, a serious condition that affects the heart’s electrical conduction system.
Durán’s family released a statement on his Instagram account, providing an update on his health status. “He has suffered a health complication due to an atrioventricular blockade,” the statement read. “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.”
Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), also shared his thoughts on social media, expressing solidarity with Durán’s family and fans. “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 posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Durán, whose career spanned five decades from 1968 to 2001, is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He won world championships in four different weight classes: lightweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight. Among his many notable fights, his 1980 victory over Sugar Ray Leonard in “The Brawl in Montreal” remains a highlight, where he captured the WBC Welterweight title.
Despite facing setbacks, including the infamous “No Más” fight against Leonard, Durán’s resilience and prowess in the ring have earned him a permanent place in boxing history. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.
As the boxing world and fans around the globe rally behind him, hopes are high for Durán’s swift and full recovery. His fighting spirit, which carried him through countless bouts in the ring, now fuels the optimism that he will overcome this latest health challenge.
