Muhammad Ali's brother dies aged 82 as 'extraordinary bond' hailed in tributes
Muhammad Ali's younger brother Rahaman has passed away at the age of 82, the Muhammad Ali Center has announced. Rahaman died on August 1 after battling an illness, having spent the final weeks of his life in a hospice in his hometown of Louisville.
"You can't tell Muhammad's story without mentioning Rahaman," DeVone Holt, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, 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.'"
Rahaman was also a professional boxer and had a 14-3 record, retiring from the sport in 1972 after he was knocked out by Jack O'Halloran. Rahaman would regularly spar with his brother and Muhammad's daughter Hana spoke of their "extraordinary bond" in an emotional tribute to her uncle.
"Today, the last living member of my father's immediate family returned to heaven," Hana wrote. "My Uncle, 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. They were close their entire lives, brothers by blood, but friends by choice. Even as children, their bond was extraordinary. READ MORE: Why Muhammad Ali might have had a very different opinion on Jake Paul to what you'd think READ MORE: 'I'm Muhammad Ali's grandson - I feel so much pressure but I have a crazy opportunity'
"My father loved his brother like he was his own child. I can just picture them now, reunited in heaven… playing Cowboys and Indians with the broomsticks they used to find in Mama Bird and Papa Cash's closet.
"Daddy always insisted on being the Cowboy, and Rock the Indian. Or maybe they're back to one of their favourite games, Daddy convincing Rock to throw actual rocks at him so he could prove how fast he was by dodging them.
"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. Uncle Rock had a heart of gold.
"He never needed a spotlight to shine, and I believe that now, from above, he and Daddy are part of something bigger… something beautiful… something meant to help heal this broken world.
"God bless you, Uncle Rock. You will be missed. You will be forever loved. And when my time comes, I hope you and Daddy will both be there, waiting to welcome me home."
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