Boxing legend Donald Curry has been diagnosed with a heartbreaking brain disease and his family is asking for support to fund his treatment.
The 63-year-old was a two-weight champion during his career, winning 34 of his 40 professional bouts before retiring in 1997.
However, he has now been diagnosed with traumatic encephalopathy syndrome, a brain disorder that often occurs with repeated head trauma.
In an online post, Curry’s son Donovan shared the shocking news and called for help.
He wrote: “I am reaching out to the boxing community to ask for assistance in finding a long-term health care facility for my father.
“A few years ago, with the help of Chuck Williams, my father underwent a brain scan at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, where he was officially diagnosed with Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES).
Donald Curry, aka ‘The Lone Star Cobra’, celebrates after beating Colin Jones in 1985
Jones now suffers from a brain disease, which is often caused by repetitive head trauma
‘This condition has led to impairments in judgement, reasoning, memory and behaviour, including poor impulse control.
“For a time, he was cared for at an incredible church facility in Fort Worth, thanks to the support of his former trainer, Paul Reyes, who recently passed away.”
Donovan then explained why Curry could no longer stay there, revealing that he had to leave “due to incidents of fighting and rule breaking.”
“He is currently staying at a hotel in Fort Worth,” the post continued. ‘We are looking for an institution that specializes in patients with conditions like my father’s, ideally an institution that works free of charge.
Curry’s family is now asking for help finding him a facility where he can continue his treatment
Curry enters the ring for a fight against Lloyd Honeyghan at Caesar’s Palace in 1986
“If you know of any resources, facilities or organizations that can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
“Thank you for your time and support during this challenging time.”
The Boxing Hall of Famer fought the likes of Lloyd Honeyghan, Terry Norris and Mike McCallum during his hugely successful career.
His last fight took place in 1997, when he lost to Emmett Linton before deciding to hang up his gloves for the last time.