Grieve for the brother of Muhammad Ali - Lamenting the Death of Muhammad Ali's Sibling
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Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 82. His death was announced by the Muhammad Ali Center on Facebook and mourned by family members and fans alike.
Born Rudolph Arnett Clay in 1943, Rahaman followed Muhammad into professional heavyweight boxing, fighting from 1964 to 1972 with a record of 14 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. After retiring from boxing, Rahaman remained closely connected to Muhammad, often traveling and training with him, and serving as one of Muhammad's most constant sources of support throughout his career.
Rahaman honoured his brother’s legacy through written tributes, authoring two books: That's Muhammad Ali's Brother My Life on the Undercard (2014), co-authored with H. Ron Brashear, and My Brother, Muhammad Ali - The Definitive Biography (2019), co-authored with Fiaz Rafiq. These works offered personal insights into their lives and Muhammad’s storied career.
Family tributes highlighted Rahaman’s affectionate remembrance of Muhammad, describing him as "a really sweet, kind, loving, giving, affectionate, wonderful person." DeVone Holt, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, emphasized Rahaman's crucial role in Muhammad’s life, calling their relationship a true example of being “my brother's keeper” and stating that one cannot tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman.
Hana Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, paid tribute to Rahaman on Instagram, describing him as a gentle soul with a heart as big as the world. She mentioned that Rahaman had the same sparkle in his eyes, light, and mischief as Muhammad. Laila Ali, another daughter of Muhammad Ali, also paid tribute to Rahaman on Instagram.
Hana expressed her belief that Rahaman and Muhammad are now helping to heal the broken world. She included a photo of Rahaman in her post, captioning it with heartfelt words of remembrance.
Rahaman's passing was a significant loss for the boxing community and beyond. He was not only a talented boxer but also a devoted brother who significantly contributed to preserving Muhammad Ali’s legacy. The Muhammad Ali Center commemorated his life as both a professional boxer and a loving family member.
- Amid the mourning for Rahaman Ali, Hana Ali, a daughter of Muhammad Ali, took to Instagram to honor her uncle, stating, "Rahaman, a gentle soul with a heart as big as the world, had the same sparkle in his eyes, light, and mischief as Muhammad."
- Though Rahaman Ali is no longer with us, his impact on the sports world, particularly in football, extends beyond the boxing ring, as evidenced by his significant role in preserving Muhammad Ali's legacy.
