Muhammad Ali Children
Muhammad Ali was one of the most famous and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. But beyond his illustrious boxing career, Ali was a beloved husband and father. He had nine children, many of whom have carried on his legacy in sports and activism.
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Ali’s Early Life and Boxing Career
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17, 1942. His father, Cassius Clay Sr., was a painter and billboard maker, and his mother, Odessa Clay, worked as a maid. Ali was named for his father, who, in turn, was named for a prominent 19th-century abolitionist.
After his bike was stolen when he was twelve years old, Ali took up boxing after a policeman advised him to learn how to fight. Ali was a standout amateur boxer who captured two consecutive National Golden Gloves titles in addition to six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles. Soon after graduating from high school in 1960, Ali won the gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Olympics in Rome.
The Brash Contender Shocked the Boxing World
On February 25, 1964, Cassius Clay did the unthinkable – the 22-year-old brash underdog defeated feared heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. Clay entered with a 19-0 record but was given little chance against the intimidating Liston. However, Clay’s superior speed and stamina carried him to victory.
Before the Fight
- Clay relentlessly taunted Liston in the lead-up, enraging the champ
- Few gave Clay a chance against Liston’s brute strength
- Clay played up the showmanship and bravado to unnerve Liston
A Stunning Upset
- Clay avoided Liston’s blows and outworked him with fast flurries
- Liston refused to leave his corner for the 7th round, making Clay the winner
- Clay jumped and shouted, “I shook up the world,” in the ring after the surprise victory
The New Champion Declares a New Name
After the monumental upset, Cassius Clay announced he had become a member of the Nation of Islam. He announced that he was going to change his “slave name” to Muhammad Ali.
Joining the Nation of Islam
- Ali became interested in the Nation of Islam starting in 1961
- He officially joined the controversial group after beating Liston
- Cassius Clay adopted the new name, Muhammad Ali
Public Backlash
- The name change was controversial, as were the Nation’s views
- Ali faced criticism but said Cassius Clay was his “white name.”
- White sportswriters refused to call him Muhammad Ali at first
The brash, energetic Clay backed up his bragging to dethrone Liston. Then, he shocked America again by joining the Nation of Islam and changing his name.
Muhammad Ali had a remarkable career lasting thirty years, with a record of fifty-six victories and five losses. He was well-known for his outgoing, audacious demeanor, audacious bout forecasts, and elegant, deft fighting style. Ali gave up boxing in 1981 to focus on his faith, charity, and social advocacy for causes including Parkinson’s disease research and civil rights. At the age of 74, he passed away on June 3, 2016.
Muhammad and Sonji Roi’s Brief Marriage
In 1964, just weeks after winning his first heavyweight championship, Muhammad Ali married cocktail waitress Sonji Roi after knowing her for only one month. Ali was Muslim, and Roi was Christian, but neither was particularly devout at the time, and religious differences did not factor heavily into their relationship. The couple eloped on August 14, 1964, in Gary, Indiana.
However, Ali and Roi quickly found they needed to be compatible. Roi did not share Ali’s increasingly religious views or interest in the Nation of Islam. She also voiced discomfort with some of the Nation’s practices and wanted to avoid following their dress and conduct rules for women. Additionally, Ali travelled frequently for boxing, while Roi wanted him home more often.
After just one year of marriage, Ali and Roi divorced amicably in January 1966. Sonji Roi fell into obscurity after the split. She died in 2005 at age 66. While the marriage to Roi was short-lived, it marked Ali’s first steps into family life as he skyrocketed to fame.
Marriage and Family Life with Belinda Boyd
Just two weeks after his divorce from Sonji Roi was finalized, Muhammad Ali married Belinda Boyd on August 18, 1967. Boyd, born Aaisha Ali, converted to Islam for Ali. She was 17 years old when they wed, while Ali was 25. Over the next decade, the couple had four children together:
- Maryum Ali – born 1968
- Twins Jamillah Ali and Rasheda Ali – born in 1970
- Muhammad Ali Jr. – born 1972
Belinda Boyd supported Ali steadfastly throughout his career. When Ali refused military induction in 1967, Boyd defended his decision despite it cost them dearly. Ali lost his boxing licenses and titles, and he didn’t compete professionally until 1970. During those years, Ali made money through speaking engagements and cross-country tours while Boyd handled the household and finances.
Belinda dutifully cared for their growing family for the next decade while Ali travelled for boxing. He often spent months away training for fights, as before the famous 1974 George Foreman “Rumble in the Jungle” match in Zaire.
However, Ali’s frequent absences, infidelities, and devotion to the Nation of Islam strained their marriage. Belinda divorced Ali in 1976 after nearly ten years of marriage. Still, Belinda had helped raise four of Ali’s children during the peak of his career.
Veronica Porsche: Ali’s Third Wife
Just a month after his contentious divorce from Belinda Boyd, Muhammad Ali married Veronica Porsche in June 1977. Porsche was an aspiring model and actress when they met on the set of The Greatest, a biopic about Ali. Porsche converted to Islam and changed her name to Veronica Ali.
Over the next seven years, Ali and Porsche had two daughters together:
- Hana Ali – born in 1976
- Laila Ali – born 1977
Veronica Ali was Muhammad Ali’s longest marriage, lasting from 1977 until 1986. She bore him two daughters who extended his lineage in sports and carried forward his principles.
However, strains emerged in their union due to Ali’s infidelity with other women. He had multiple affairs and illegitimate children during their marriage. After putting up with Ali’s unfaithfulness for many years, Veronica divorced Ali in 1986. Still, their daughters, Hana and Laila, remained deeply connected to their father.
Hana Ali Continues Her Father’s Legacy
Hana Ali was born in 1976 to Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porsche. Of all Muhammad Ali children, Hana may share the most spiritual connection with her father. She became his primary caregiver in his later years as he battled Parkinson’s disease.
Hana graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a political science and government degree. She married mixed martial artist Kevin Casey in 2007.
Like her father, Hana is a devoted Muslim and passionate humanitarian. She became a public speaker and author, continuing her father’s legacy of peacemaking and interfaith understanding. In 2004, Hana made a historic pilgrimage to Iraq to help women and children afflicted by war under the sponsorship of the American Islamic Congress.
Hana helped author two books that furthered her father’s principles – The Soul of a Butterfly with Ali in 2004 and At Home with Muhammad Ali with family photographer Howard Bingham in 2013. Both books discuss Muslim values, morality, and Ali’s humanitarian efforts.
Hana has embraced Muhammad Ali’s dedication to spiritual growth, philanthropy and promoting justice worldwide. She makes her father proud by spreading his “confidence, conviction and self-esteem” message to new generations.
Laila Ali: The Champion Boxer
Laila Ali followed her father’s footsteps into the boxing ring and emerged as the most successful female boxer in history. Born in 1977, Laila is the daughter of Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porsche.
Laila did not have an easy path to boxing glory. She started boxing against her father’s wishes, as he knew first-hand the sport’s toll on mind and body. She also faced nepotism complaints early on, as critics claimed she only succeeded due to her famous name. However, Laila silenced all doubts by compiling an incredible 24-0 professional record and winning all significant women’s super middleweight titles.
Laila Ali won her division championships in 2002 against Christie Martin with an aggressive, tactical style resembling her father’s approach. She avenged her father’s first loss by defeating Jackie Frazier-Lyde, Joe Frazier’s daughter, in 2001. After retiring undefeated in 2007, Laila became a TV host, author, and health & wellness advocate.
Laila’s success in boxing as the daughter of “The Greatest” is a testament to the athletic gifts and competitive spirit that Muhammad Ali passed onto his children. While initially reluctant to see his daughter box, Ali ultimately gave Laila his blessing and guidance to help her reach the pinnacle of women’s boxing.
Muhammad Ali Net Worth
Muhammad Ali generated enormous wealth over his record-setting boxing career that spanned nearly three decades. After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali focused on philanthropic causes and managing his finances and assets.
At the time of his death in 2016, Muhammad Ali’s net worth was estimated to be around $80 million.The great majority of his wealth was derived from endorsements and boxing purses. As a world champion in the golden era of heavyweight prizefighting, Ali earned millions for his biggest fights.
His 1971 fight against Joe Frazier alone earned him roughly $2.5 million. It was adjusted for inflation, equalling about $15 million in today’s dollars. The 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” fight versus George Foreman earned Ali around $5 million at the time, or over $23 million today. Plus, Ali earned millions for movie appearances and endorsements later in life.
Ali also owned valuable real estate, including farms in Michigan and a lavish estate in Los Angeles.
Still, the outspoken Ali translated his fame both in and outside the ring into considerable personal wealth – the vast majority of which he gave away to humanitarian causes in his later years.
Muhammad Ali Jr. Carries the Torch
Muhammad Ali had nine children, but Muhammad Ali Jr. took particular interest in following in his father’s footsteps as a boxer. Born in 1972, Muhammad Jr. was the younger of Ali’s two sons with wife Belinda Boyd.
As a young adult, Muhammad Jr. pursued a professional boxing career but found little success. He retired with a paltry record of 1 win, one loss, and one draw.
After boxing, Ali Jr. had a sporadic work history while grappling with the overwhelming legacy of his iconic father. He took odd jobs as a landscaper and construction worker before trying to leverage his famous name on the motivational speaking circuit.
Ali Jr. travelled the country, giving lectures and talking about his father’s principles and tenacity as a fighter. He also consults for companies and events looking to capitalize on the Muhammad Ali brand name.
While unable to match his father’s accomplishments, Muhammad Ali Jr. still proudly carries the torch and tells his father’s story to inspire the next generation.
Muhammad Ali Siblings
Muhammad Ali grew up surrounded by siblings who would become his first friends and athletic competitors. His mother, Odessa Clay, bore two boys and six girls between 1940 and 1949.
Ali’s siblings, in order from oldest to youngest, were:
- Sister Marilyn Ali
- Brother Rudolph Valentino “Rudy” Clay
- Sister Eva Clay
- Brother Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay)
- Sister Rahaman Ali
- Sister Khaliah Ali
- Sister Iyana Ali
- Sister Miya Ali
Ali drew inspiration and strength from his siblings in his formative years. He and his brother Rudy were highly competitive and supported each other in starting boxing. The family grew up poor, so they had to make fun of boxing and wrestling.
In Ali’s professional career, brother Rahaman Ali was his closest confidant and assistant. Rahaman helped Ali travel to training camps and cook food with his new Islamic diet. He fought in Ali’s corner for his biggest fights.
Ali stayed close to all his siblings, especially Rahaman, throughout his legendary career. His early family life was crucial in shaping Ali into one of the greatest sports icons in history.
Ali’s Other Marriages and Children
In addition to his four children with his second wife, Belinda Boyd, Muhammad Ali had several other marriages and affairs, resulting in five more children:
- Miya Ali – born in 1972 to Patricia Harvell
- Khaliah Ali – born 1974 to Aaisha Ali
- Muhammad Ali Jr. – was born in 1972 to Belinda Boyd
- Asaad Amin – born in an unknown year to Veronica Porsche
- Mya Yafeu – born an unknown year to Veronica Porsche
Most of these extra-marital relationships occurred during Ali’s second marriage to Belinda Boyd in the early 1970s. Other children were born from affairs during his third marriage to Veronica Porsche.
Ali supported his illegitimate children and had loving relationships with them, but often was not present for their upbringing. Some estrangement grew between Ali and a few of these children later in life due to disputes over his legacy and estate. However, Ali tried to be a caring father to all his children, legitimate or not.
Carrying On Muhammad Ali’s Legacy
Muhammad Ali left behind nine living children when he passed away in 2016 at the age of 74.
While Ali had his share of tumultuous marriages, he cared for all his children and tried to share his wisdom and values with them. Most of his children grew up to be accomplished athletes, authors, actors and philanthropists in their own right while upholding Ali’s humanitarian legacy.
Ali’s oldest daughter, Maryum Ali, became an author and performer. Miya Ali and Khaliah Ali led low-key lives out of the public eye. Ali’s sons **Muhammad Ali Jr. **and Asaad Amin, promoted their father’s legacy through motivational speaking and consulting.
Without a doubt, daughters Hana Ali and Laila Ali have done the most to continue their father’s humanitarian and athletic endeavours. But all of Muhammad Ali’s nine children strive to uphold his legacy as one of the most influential sports figures and inspiring civil rights activists of the 20th century.
Conclusion
Muhammad Ali was a global icon as a boxer and activist. But he was also a loving, if flawed, father to nine children. Ali cared deeply for all his kids and tried to instil in them strong values, confidence and a spirit of social justice.
While Ali’s marriages struggled because of his nonstop travels and numerous infidelities, his children grew up with their dad as a powerful role model. Most devoted themselves to humanitarian work, creative arts, and athletics – especially daughters Hana and Laila Ali.
Ali’s children have loyally carried forward his legacy and principles. Through them, the spirit and message of Muhammad Ali live on.
FAQs:
1: How many biological children did Muhammad Ali have?
Muhammad Ali had nine biological children from multiple marriages and affairs.
2: What does Laila Ali do now?
Laila Ali is a TV host, cookbook author, fitness and wellness entrepreneur, and speaker.
3: Did Ali have children with his first wife?
No, Ali had no children with his first wife, Sonji Roi. They were only married for one year.
4: How many times did Muhammad Ali marry?
Muhammad Ali married four times. His wives were Sonji Roi, Belinda Boyd, Veronica Porsche, and Yolanda Williams.
5: Why did Ali leave his wife?
Ali divorced his first wife, Sonji Roi, after one year due to her resistance to joining the Nation of Islam. He later divorced Belinda Boyd and Veronica Porsche over multiple infidelities.
6: Who was the love of Muhammad Ali’s life?
By most accounts, Veronica Porsche, Ali’s third wife and mother to daughters Hana and Laila, was the love of his life.
7: What religion was Muhammad Ali?
Muhammad Ali was a Sunni Muslim. He converted from Christianity to the Nation of Islam in 1964, later transitioning to traditional Sunni Islam.
8: Did the Queen meet Muhammad Ali?
Queen Elizabeth II met Muhammad Ali at Buckingham Palace in 1966 after Ali fought Henry Cooper in England.
9: What happened to Muhammad Ali’s first wife?
After their divorce, Sonji Roi, Ali’s first wife, faded into obscurity. She died in 2005 at age 66.
10: Did Hazrat Ali remarry?
No, Hazrat Ali (not boxer Muhammad Ali) did not remarry after the death of his wife, Fatimah.
11: Who was Ali first wife?
Muhammad Ali’s first wife was Sonji Roi, whom he married in 1964. Hazrat Ali’s first wife was Fatimah, daughter of the prophet Muhammad.
12: Why did Muhammad Ali change his name?
He changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam and joining the Nation of Islam in 1964.
13: How rich is Muhammad Ali?
At the time of his death in 2016, Muhammad Ali’s net worth was estimated at $80 million.
14: Where is Muhammad Ali buried?
Muhammad Ali is buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
15: What are three famous quotes by Muhammad Ali?
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
“I am the greatest; I said that even before I knew, I was.”
“Don’t count the days; make the days count.”
