Muhammad Ali could die within days, says brother

By CLAIRE GARDNER
Published on 03/02/2013 23:00

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is so ill he could die within days, his brother has warned.

Rahman Ali has told how the former world heavyweight champion cannot speak and no longer recognises him.

He is reported as saying: “My brother can’t speak, he doesn’t recognise me. He’s in a bad way. He’s very sick.

“It could be months, it could be days. I don’t know if he’ll last the summer. He’s in God’s hands. We hope he gently passes away.

“He told me before he got really bad that he’s in no pain.

“He grabbed my arm and whispered ‘Rah, I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to accomplish. Don’t cry for me, I’m in no pain’.

“It’s best he goes now. The longer he goes on, so does his suffering and misery.”

Ali won gold at the 1960 
Olympics and after turning professional went on to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.

The 71-year-old had several iconic fights during his career, including 1974s “Rumble in the Jungle” with George Foreman and the “Thrilla in Manila” against Joe Frazier in 1975.

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984 but remained active for many years.

Last year the World Boxing Council crowned him the all-time King of Boxing.