Muhammad Ali returns home from hospital after bout with infection

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Muhammad Ali is home after being hospitalized with a severe urinary tract infection.

The three-time world heavyweight champion was released from an undisclosed hospital Tuesday night, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said Wednesday. Ali is back home and looking forward to celebrating his 73rd birthday on Jan. 17 with his family and friends, Gunnell said. "He's in great spirits and enjoying being back home," Gunnell said. "He's back in his daily routine."

Ali, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984 at the age of 42, was hospitalized Dec. 20 with what was initially believed to be a mild case of pneumonia.

Doctors later determined Ali had a severe urinary tract infection and not pneumonia, Gunnell said.

The Ali family appreciates the outpouring of support and well wishes, and also thanked his team of doctors and nurses, he said. Ali and his wife, Lonnie, have homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona; Berrien Springs, Michigan, and in Louisville. Gunnell would not say to which home Ali had returned.

Ali's public appearances have diminished in recent years as he wages his fight against the disease, but he appeared in public in September at a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. Ali did not speak to the crowd but posed for photos with award winners, including former NFL star Jim Brown.

Brown leaned over and whispered to the seated Ali during the photo session. Later, Brown said he told Ali: "You're the greatest of all time."

-- AP