The city is mourning the loss of Rahman Ali, younger brother of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who passed away peacefully this week at the age of 81. Born Rudolph Valentino Clay to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay in 1944, Rahman was a dedicated athlete, author, community voice, and lifelong supporter of his brother’s legacy. His death marks the end of an era for the Ali family, whose name remains etched in the heart of Louisville and beyond.
Though often in the shadow of “The Greatest,” Rahman carved his own path in the boxing world. He fought professionally throughout the 1960s and 70s, building a record of 14 wins. But beyond the ring, Rahman was best known for his humility, his unwavering loyalty to his brother, and his dedication to speaking out on issues of justice and faith. In later years, he became a familiar presence at local schools, museums, and community events. He also wrote two books about life with Muhammad Ali titled “That’s Muhammad Ali’s Brother! My Life on the Undercard” in 2014, co-authored by boxing writer and columnist H. Ron Brashear and “My Brother, Muhammad Ali: The Definitive Biography” in 2019. His deep ties to the West End and his family’s roots in Louisville left an enduring impact on generations.
Funeral arrangements are being planned and will be shared with the public in the coming days. Louisville, a city shaped by the Ali legacy, now honors Rahman’s life with the same reverence it showed his legendary brother.
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