Boxing legend Roberto Duran, 72, receiving medical care for heart condition, family says

Duran is receiving medical care in his native Panama

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

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." 

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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." 

Roberto Duran lands a punch

Roberto Duran fights Sugar Ray Leonard in the WBC, Ring and Lineal Welterweight Title Fight on June 20, 1980, at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Duran won the fight in a unanimous decision.  (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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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 loses a bout

Roberto Duran raises his arms in defeat as Sugar Ray Leonard wins the fight in the 8th round and becomes the new welterweight champion.

Duran retired in 2001 after being injured in a car accident at age 50 with a record of 103-16. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Paulina Dedaj is a Sports Reporter for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Paulina Dedaj via FoxNews March 16th 2024