Earlier their family spokesman Bob Gunnell said: “After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74 … The Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time”
Muhammad Ali was married four times and had nine children. Laila was the second youngest born to his third wife Veronica Porsche Ali and the youngest daughter. Laila was also a professional boxer who made her debut aged 18 against April Fowler in 1999.
She won several titles including the IBA, WIBA, IWBF, and WBC Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight titles. She was still undefeated when she retired after her last professional match in 2007 held in South Africa, where she knocked out Gwendolyn O’Neil of Guyana in the first round.
Many fans had expressed their desire to see face with either George Foreman’s daughter, Freeda Foreman or Joe Frazier’s daughter, Jackie Frazier-Lyde, who were both rivals of Muhammad Ali. She eventually faced Frazier on 8 June, 2001, where won in eight rounds by the majority judges’ decision. This was the main event pay-per-view match between two women.
Laila Ali reminded the world of his soft side and the impact he had on her and their family. She posted a photo of her father holding her daughter, his granddaughter named Sydney.
Laila also changed her profile picture to show her standing with her father after winning the WBC/WIBA Super Middleweight title.
Another daughter, Hana has also paid to her father and called him the ‘Humble Mountain’ saying ‘God bless you daddy. You are the love of my life’. She also talked about his final moments where they had gathered around him and hugged and kissed him and reciting prayers. All his organs failed but his heart was beating for more than thirty minutes. She offered her condolences but said she was happy her father was free now and could meet God.
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