Muhammad Ali barely able to speak or leave house, says his brother
Boxing
By
AFP
| Oct 14, 2014
|
|
MUHAMMAD Ali’s battle with Parkinson’s disease has reached the point at which he can barely speak, his brother has revealed.
The legendary boxer, 72, was too ill to attend the premiere of a film about his life last week — or to take part in any of the production for it.
“I have not been able to talk to my brother about this because he is sick,” Rahman, 71, told the Sunday People at a screening of I Am Ali in Hollywood.
|
|
“He doesn’t speak too well. But he is proud that we are here for him. He has given this film his blessing.”
The new film uses “audio journals” from Ali’s life to provide an intimate portrait of his life, with a focus on his family.
READ MORE
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
AFC usher 60th anniversary celebrations in style
Man wants court to scrap mandatory retirement age of 60
How has Kenya changed in 60 years
British colonial plan to wipe out Kenyans that came a cropper
Jamhuri and sale of false hope
There is much to be hopeful for despite wasted opportunities
Fellow boxers including Mike Tyson and George Foreman, who fought him in one of the most famous bouts in history, give interviews as do his children and other family members.
Ali’s daughter Maryum, 46, who also attended the screening, said: “He has not seen the film yet, but I am very excited for him to see it.
“He is going to love it. I know he is. He is going to cry, he is going to laugh. He will be very proud.”
Members of the Ali family have spoken in the past about their fears that his suffering has grown too great to bear.
In January, his son, Ali Jr, said he considered there was “no chance” of his father living another year.
He said: “I just want, hope and pray to God that this awful disease takes my dad sooner rather than later. Take him away from all the suffering he’s in.”
However, other family members, including his wife and other daughters, have rejected suggestions that he is close to death.