Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 82.
The Muhammad Ali Center shared the news on Saturday, writing on their website that Rahaman died on August 1 in Louisville, Kentucky.
‘Rahaman was a fervent supporter of the Muhammad Ali Center, often showing up at the Center’s events to welcome and greet fans,’ the statement read.
He was born on July 18, 1943, as Rudolph Arnett Clay to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay. Rahaman changed his name after converting to Islam.
Rahaman participated in the family sport and was a professional boxer from 1964 to 1972.
He won 14 bouts during his career, lost three, and drew one. Rahaman gave up the sport to be his brother’s corner.
Rahaman would often train with Muhammad and spar with him around the world. The Ali Center called Rahaman a ‘lifetime companion’ to Muhammad.
He authored two books, including his memoir, That’s Muhammad Ali’s Brother! My Life on the Undercard in 2014, and co-authored a second book with columnist H. Ron Brashear in 2019 titled My Brother, Muhammad Ali – The Definitive Biography.
Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 82
The Muhammad Ali Center announced Rahaman’s death and praised the former boxer for being his ‘brother’s keeper’ (Pictured: Muhammad Ali and Rahaman in 1963)
Rahaman was a professional boxer from 1964 to 1972 (Pictured here with brother Muhammad (left) and father Cassius Clay Sr. (middle))
‘You can’t tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman,’ President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, DeVone Holt said.
‘He was one of the most constant sources of support for Muhammad during this career and their relationship was a true example of what it means to be “my brother’s keeper.”‘
It wasn’t immediately revealed what Rahaman’s cause of death was. The Muhammad Ali Center said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
Director of Jesus Movement at the King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, Wanda McIntyre, told Courier-Journal that Rahaman was admitted to a hospital on July 19 before he was transferred to hospice care at Norton Audubon.
Ray Barker told the outlet that Rahaman and Muhammad ‘poured their hearts and soul into the community of Louisville.’
‘Knowing your role in the community is so important. Some of us like to be out in front, some of us like to be quietly behind and he was that latter one,’ Ray said.
‘He liked to be behind, but he always showed up to lend his hand and lend his famous name to encourage the youth. He was like a quiet thunder.’
Rahaman died in Louisville, Kentucky. A cause of death has yet to be released
Louisville residents said that Rahaman was a pillar in the community and was encouraging to the youth
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg led tributes to the boxer online, writing, ‘Louisville lost a great man yesterday. Rahaman Ali was a generous, thoughtful, and kind man.
‘I’m so thankful we got to know each other over the last few years of his life. Our thoughts are with the Ali family. May his memory be a blessing.’
Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Hana, posted a photo with her uncle on Instagram and wrote, ‘My Uncle Rahman, lovingly known as Rock, was a sweet, gentle soul with a heart as big as the world.
‘He had that same sparkle in his eye that my father had… that same light, that same mischief, that same love.
Hana said that her father and uncle were close all their lives and had an ‘extraordinary bond.’
She added that as young boys, Muhammad would protect his younger brother from getting spanked by their parents, and never stopped protecting him as they grew up.
Hana said that she could picture her brother and uncle reuniting and playing games like they used to.
Rahaman left his boxing career to support his brother. He’s pictured here (left) with Muhammad (middle) and promoter Don King (right)
Rahaman continued to support the Muhammad Ali Center after his brother’s death. He’s pictured here with (left to right) Maryum Ali, Jamillah Ali-Joyce, Rahaman Ali, Rasheda Ali-Joyce and Hana Ali at the premiere of I Am Ali
Muhammad Ali’s daughter penned an emotional tribute on social media, writing that her brother and uncle are together once again (Rahaman (left) sparring with his brother in the ring at 19 years old)
‘Whatever they’re doing up there, I know it’s full of joy, laughter, and the kind of brotherly love that helped shape our family,’ she said.
Sports fans have also paid tribute to the former boxer, with one sharing on X, ‘Rahaman Ali was Muhammad’s only brother, and went along on the ride with him the whole way’.
‘Being able to spend time with him and hear his stories was a blessing. The brothers are back together, may their memory be a blessing to everyone who loved them’.
‘The Ali Brothers are together again [flying emoji] Rest in peace Rahaman Ali,’ another wrote.
