The boxing world lost a quiet giant last Friday. Rahman Ali, the younger brother of legendary champion Muhammad Ali, passed away. He was 82 years old. His family shared the sad news in a statement. This comes eight years after Muhammad Ali himself died in 2016.
Hana Ali, Muhammad’s daughter, offered a heartfelt tribute to her uncle. She called him “Uncle Rock.” She noted he was the last immediate family member of her father still alive. Hana remembered him as a gentle and sweet soul. His heart, she said, was as big as the world itself.
He had the same sparkle in his eyes as his famous brother. It was the same light, the same mischief, and the same love. Their closeness lasted their whole lives. They were brothers by blood, but friends by choice. Even as children, their bond was special and strong.
Muhammad loved his brother like his own son. When Muhammad was just four or five years old, he protected baby Rahman. If their mother, Bird, tried to scold “Rock,” Muhammad would step in. He would grab her hand and say, “Don’t hit my baby.” That powerful, protective love never faded over the years.
Hana pictured them reunited now in heaven. Maybe they are playing cowboys and Indians again. They used brooms from their parents’ closet for their games. Her father always insisted on being the cowboy, and “Rock” was always the Indian. Perhaps they returned to another favorite game. Muhammad would convince “Rock” to throw rocks at him. He wanted to show off his incredible dodging speed.
Hana believes they are now part of something greater. Something beautiful, meant to help heal our broken world. “Uncle Rock had a heart of gold,” she wrote. “He never needed the spotlight to shine.” She ended her loving message with, “God bless you, Uncle ‘Rock’.”
Rahman Ali also stepped into the boxing ring himself. He fought as a heavyweight. He built a solid record of 14 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw in 18 professional bouts. However, he eventually put his own boxing career on hold. He made the choice to support Muhammad Ali more closely. Muhammad Ali is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in sports history. Rahman chose to be his full-time companion and corner man.
Rahman spent his last weeks in a hospice. This was in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States.