Boxing icon Donald Curry diagnosed with brain disease at 63… as his son makes heartbreaking plea for help

Boxing legend Donald Curry has been diagnosed with a heartbreaking brain disease, and his family are appealing for support to fund his treatment.

The 63-year-old was a champion in two weight divisions during his career, and won an impressive 34 of his 40 professional bouts before retiring in 1997.

Now, though, he has been diagnosed with Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome, a brain condition that commonly occurs from repeated head trauma.

In a post online, Curry’s son Donovan shared the shocking news and appealed for help.

He wrote: ‘I’m reaching out to the boxing community to ask for assistance in finding a long-term healthcare facility for my dad.

‘A few years ago, with the help of Chuck Williams, my dad 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 is now suffering from a brain disease, which often occurs from repeated head trauma

‘This condition has caused impairments in judgment, reasoning, memory, and behavior, including poor impulse control.

‘For some time, he was being 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 went on to explain the reason Curry could no longer stay there, revealing that he had to leave ‘due to incidents of fighting and breaking rules’.

‘He is currently staying in a hotel in Fort Worth,’ the post continued. ‘We are searching for a facility that specializes in patients with conditions like my dad’s, ideally one that operates at no cost.

Curry’s family are now appealing for help to find him a facility to continue his treatment

Curry enters the ring before a fight against Lloyd Honeyghan at Caesar’s Palace in 1986

‘If you know of any resources, facilities, or organizations that could 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 came in 1997 when he lost to Emmett Linton before making the decision to hang up his gloves for the final time.