As a spirited training session for boxers at Arlington's Rock Boxing Academy got underway Friday, the thoughts of many fighters were in Arizona, where perhaps the sports greatest athlete, Muhammad Ali, was in grave condition.
"It's kind of shocking to see him. It's going to be a great loss if he goes," said Pete Rojas, the gym's owner.
Ali was hospitalized earlier this week for a respiratory condition. Sources told NBC News Friday evening that he was in "grave condition."
Texas State Boxing Champion Gregory Dismukes hopes Ali keeps fighting. He wants to meet one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boxing gloves.
"Him and George Foreman and Larry Holmes are really the last ones left from the era. Ken Norton died, so they're like the last ones left. There's not much of a chance to meet the greatest," Dismukes said.
Boxing is often described as "the sweet science" and Rojas, a trainer, said preparation is key. He and many others in the boxing world have been preparing to say goodbye to Ali, who has battled a variety of health issues, including Parkinson's disease, for more than 30 years.
"He's the greatest, you know," Rojas said. "He's an icon. He's inspired so many people, done so much for the sport of boxing."
