The boxing world heaved a sigh of relief when it received the latest update on the great Roberto Duran. The community had been deeply concerned when news of the former world champion being hospitalized due to heart-related problems came. In the latest, ‘The Hands of Stone’ reached out to fans and followers through an Instagram post.

Last month, the 72-year-old, often rated as the best lightweight in the sport’s history, was diagnosed with atrioventricular blockage. Reportedly, he underwent surgery in his home country, Panama, on March 18 that saw him fitted with a pacemaker. After the operation, his family confirmed that his condition was stable.

Roberto Duran: The Champion Forever

What was special about the latest post was that he wore one of his signature boxing robes, a red-on-white one with his name imprinted on it, used for ring walk-ins. Greeting everyone, Roberto Duran said, “Good afternoon, family. Felt good to wear my military gear once again! I feel alive. They want them for free. Old is the wind and still blowing. Hands of Stone.”

Needless to say, from the time the post came, a stream of fans and followers joined, lauding and thanking their icon profusely. One of the fans wrote, “The great Roberto Durán unique incomparable. The legend.” Then another said, “No matter the age, champion, you will always be the best, and you made great my Panama that God health you we love you for a million more years.”

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It’s been over two decades since ‘The Hands of Stone’, who has been active since the late 1960s, retired. But his legacy continues to inspire millions. Speaking of the robe, one of the users pointed out that Duran might have used it during his first historic bout against legend ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard. The two boxing greats came face-to-face on June 20, 1980, at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Canada, for welterweight titles. Roberto Duran won the fifteen-round bout unanimously.

All Hands With ‘The Hands of Stone’

It was on March 16 that the Duran family, through his official Instagram account, released a statement. “Statement: The Durán family, reports that our champion suffered a health complication due to a Complete Auriculoventricular “Complete AV Blockage”. We are waiting for results so we can share more information about your health later. Thanks to our family, friends, and all his supporters, keep him in your prayers.”

An outpouring of support and concern followed. The WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman tweeted that the entire world has joined his family in praying for his speedy recovery. Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez also wished him well. “Roberto, I send you all my good vibes. Courage—lots of courage. I know you can do it. Like all the battles you have fought, this is one more… I send you a hug, and may God bless you. Give it a lot of energy; with strength, we are here supporting you,” said the Mexican icon.

The issue afflicting Roberto Duran, atrioventricular block, basically involves a break or some lag in the neural impulse commuting between the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, and the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. Usual symptoms involve exhaustion, faintness, or giddiness.

In June 2020, the International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee was diagnosed with COVID-19. As a result, he had to undergo treatment. It took a few weeks before the hospital released him.

If you’d like to wish legend Roberto Duran, then you can do so by posting a comment below.