BOXING legend Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran has been hospitalised after testing positive for coronavirus.
The news of the 69-year-old former four weight world champion, who had an astonishing pro record of 103-16, comes as his home nation of Panama set a new record for daily cases of Covid-19.
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Boxing legend Roberto Duran is ‘under observation’ in hospital after testing positive for coronavirusCredit: Splash News
Doctors fear for the former four-weight world champion due to his damaged lung from a car crash in 2001Credit: AFP or licensors
His son, Robin Duran, wrote on Instagram: “Test results have just arrived for my dad, and they confirm he is positive for Covid-19.
“Thank God for now he doesn’t have symptoms beyond a cold.
“He is not in intensive care nor on a respirator, just under observation.
“We’ll be passing on more information over the days.”
His son decided to take his father to hospital as a precaution due to one of his lungs not functioning properly following a car crash in Argentina back in 2001.
That accident led to the iconic fighter to finally retire from the ting after a stunning career that panned over three decades.
Duran, who fought professionally from 1968 to 2001, enjoys legendary status in Panama and Latin America.
Roberto Duran’s career lasted for over 30 years and he retired with a record of 103-16Credit: AP:Associated Press
Nicknamed “Hands of Stone”, his finest performance arguably came against Sugar Ray Leonard in 1980 when he became WBC welterweight champ.
They met in a rematch months later when Duran withdrew midway through the clash by famously saying “No mas” — “No more.”
A movie, titled on his nickname, was released in 2016 on his career, which was directed and written by Jonathan Jakubowicz.
Duran’s last fight was a defeat on points to Hector Camacho in July 2001.
He encouraged Panamanians to comply with confinement measures at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and urged them to follow the recommendations of wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Panama has the most confirmed coronavirus cases and Covid-19 deaths in Central America.
On Thursday, officials reported over 1,000 cases for the preceding 24 hours along with 17 more deaths, their highest figure so far.
In total, the country has had more than 29,000 confirmed cases, with more than 13,000 still active, and 564 deaths.
Official trailer for I am Duran which tells the story of World Champion boxer Roberto Durán, featuring Mike Tyson
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
