Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of Muhammad Ali, passed away on Friday, August 1 at the age of 82. Rahaman’s death was confirmed by the Muhammad Ali Center, a non-profit in Louisville, Kentucky, dedicated to preserving the legacy of “The Greatest.” Born on July 18, 1943 as Rudolph Arnett Clay, Rahaman looked up to his older brother, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., and followed him into the boxing profession. Rahaman fought professionally from 1964 to 1972 and was a passionate supporter of his brother’s career. In 2014, he penned an autobiography titled That’s Muhammad Ali’s Brother! My Life on the Undercard and a second book in 2019, My Brother, Muhammad Ali—The Definitive Biography. “You can’t tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman,” said DeVone Holt, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “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.’” Muhammad’s daughter, retired boxer Laila Ali, shared a touching tribute to her uncle on Instagram, writing: “My father loved his brother Rahaman so deeply. They are now back in the arms of their beloved parents. May they all rest in eternal peace together.”
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