Muhammad Ali's Brother, Rahaman Ali, Has Died

Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of Muhammad Ali and a former professional boxer, has died at 82.

According to PEOPLE, the Muhammad Ali Center announced his death on Saturday, Aug. 2, noting that Rahaman died on Friday, Aug. 1. A cause of death has not been released. The Center emphasized the close bond between the siblings and Rahaman’s role throughout Muhammad Ali’s iconic career, underscoring the deep family ties behind the legend of Muhammad Ali.

“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 his career, and their relationship was a true example of what it means to be ‘my brother’s keeper.’ ”

Born July 18, 1943, Rahaman followed Muhammad Ali into the ring and compiled a professional record that included wins in 14 of his 18 bouts between 1964 and 1972, according to the Center. After retiring, he traveled with Muhammad Ali, supported his training, and remained a steady presence as his brother navigated the pinnacle of boxing and global fame.

Rahaman also chronicled his life and their relationship in 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).

Family members shared tributes following the news. Muhammad Ali’s daughter Hana Ali wrote on Facebook, “Today, the last living member of my father’s immediate family returned to heaven.” She remembered her uncle, affectionately called “Rock,” as “a sweet, gentle soul with a heart as big as the world,” noting he carried the same “sparkle,” “light,” and “mischief” as Muhammad Ali.

Laila Ali posted on Instagram, “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.”

Muhammad Ali died in 2016 at age 74 after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.