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Muhammad Ali back in hospital for follow-up care

Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali is expected to be released today. Credit: Olivier Douliery/ABACA/Press Association Images

Muhammad Ali has been re-admitted to hospital to undergo follow-up care for a urinary tract infection - his second time in the last four weeks.

The three-time former heavyweight boxing champion was in a stable condition after being admitted to an undisclosed hospital earlier this week and is expected to be released today, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said.

"There were still issues with the urinary tract infection," he said of the 72-year-old boxing legend's latest hospital stay.

Boxing great Muhammad Ali pictured in June 1963. Credit: PA/PA Wire

Ali, who has waged a long battle with Parkinson's disease, was admitted to hospital on December 20 with what was initially believed to be a mild case of pneumonia, but later turned out to be a severe urinary tract infection.

He had been spending his time listening to music, reading and watching old films, the family spokesman said.

Ali hopes to celebrate his 73rd birthday tomorrow with his family, Gunnell said. He and his wife Lonnie have homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona; Berrien Springs, Michigan and in Louisville, Kentucky.