Muhammad Ali back in hospital for 'follow-up care'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A spokesman for Muhammad Ali says the boxing great is back in the hospital for follow-up care related to a urinary tract infection.

Ali family spokesman Bob Gunnell said Thursday that the former heavyweight boxing champion was admitted to an undisclosed hospital earlier this week. He says Ali is expected to be released Friday.

Ali was initially hospitalized on Dec. 20 for what turned out to be a severe urinary tract infection. That hospitalization ended last week.

Gunnell says Ali hopes to celebrate his 73rd birthday on Saturday at one of his homes with family.

Ali has also waged a long battle with Parkinson's disease.