Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of boxing icon Muhammad Ali, has died at age 82.
Details have not been released at this time on the cause of death, but the Muhammad Ali Center is confirming the Louisville native’s passing.
Rahaman was born on July 18, 1943 as Rudolph Arnett Clay to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay. Rahaman followed in his brother’s boxing footsteps with a professional boxing career from 1964 to 1972.
After his professional career, Rahaman would often travel with Muhammad and train with him. Rahaman was his brother’s biggest supporter, writing a book in 2014 titled “That’s Muhammad Ali’s Brother! My Life on the Undercard” co-authored by boxing writer and columnist H. Ron Brashear, and a second book titled “My Brother, Muhammad Ali – The Definitive Biography” in 2019.
“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.’”