Muhammad Ali’s children: How many children did he have and what are they doing now?

Muhammad Ali’s children: How many children did he have and what are they doing now?

Helix Odhiambo, Cyprine Apindi
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., commonly known as Muhammad Ali, was a professional boxer and activist who passed away in June 2016. Although deceased, he is still considered the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. In 1999, Sports Illustrated named him the Sportsman of the Century. Away from his career, he was a dad. Discover who Muhammad Ali’s children are and what they do.

Who are Muhammad Ali’s children?
Muhammad Ali arrives at the 20th Annual "Midsummer Night's Magic Awards Dinner" at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Muhammad Ali’s real name was Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. The legendary boxer was known for his unmatched speed, stylistic versatility, and courage in the ring. He passed away on 3 June 2016 after experiencing septic shock caused by natural causes. Muhammad Ali’s children and wife succeeded him.

Who are Muhammad Ali’s children?

Muhammad Ali’s family was quite large. He got married multiple times. He was blessed with children in his marriages and others out of wedlock. Discover his children's names and whereabouts today.

Muhammad Ali’s children: a quick overview

The late boxer, commonly referred to as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, had multiple children from different mothers. Below is a quick look at the women he married.

  • Sonji Roi - married in 1964 and divorced in 1966
  • Belinda Boyd (Khalilah Ali/ Khalilah Camacho) - married in 1967 and divorced in 1977
  • Veronica Porché Ali - married in 1977 and divorced in 1986)
  • Yolanda Williams - married in 1986 until the boxer's demise

From these marriages, the late boxer was blessed with nine children, including two daughters he bore out of wedlock.

How many children did Muhammad Ali have?

The late boxer was a father of nine. He had seven daughters and two sons. Since his death, many people have wondered who inherited his wealth and what his children are doing.

Muhammad Ali married Sonji Roi in 1964 but was not blessed with children in his first marriage. His second marriage with Khalilah Camacho (Belinda Boyd) was blessed with four children.

His third marriage with Veronica Porsche was blessed with two kids, and his fourth with Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams was blessed with one. The famous activist also fathered two children out of wedlock.

The boxer has different relationships with his kids. Some were close to him, while others distanced themselves from him. Below is a look at Muhammad Ali's children's names and what is known about them in the public domain.

1. Maryum Ali

Maryum May May is the oldest among all Muhammad Ali's children. She was a rapper in her early 20s and even released an album called The Introduction through Scottie Bros Records.

Profile summary

Full name

Maryum Ali

Nickname

May May

Gender

Female

Date of birth

18 June 1968

Age

55 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Current residence

California, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Zodiac sign

Gemini

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Khalilah Ali

Biological siblings

3

Stepsiblings

5

Profession

Parkinson's disease advocate, social worker, author, and rapper

Instagram

@maymayaliofficial

Maryum quit rapping to focus on her studies. She attained a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the university. She has over fifteen years of experience as a social worker in the area of juvenile delinquency prevention and youth development.

In addition, Maryum Ali is a spokesperson for The Parkinson Alliance, which raises awareness about Parkinson's disease. She is the author of I Shook Up the World: The Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali. She has a close relationship with her late dad.

2. Jamillah Ali

Muhammad Ali’s children
Jamillah Ali-Joyce speaks during The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards at Marriott Louisville Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo: Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Muhammad Ali Centre
Source: Getty Images

Jamillah is Rasheda's twin. The twins were born about two years after Maryum.

Profile summary

Full name

Jamillah Ali

Gender

Female

Year of birth

1970

Age

53 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Current residence

Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Michael Joyce

Children

1

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Khalilah Ali

Biological siblings

3

Stepsiblings

5

Education

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Profession

Job counsellor

Jamillah has worked as a job counsellor at the Illinois Secretary of State's office since November 2002. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Michael Joyce is her spouse, and the couple is blessed with a son named Jake Joyce. She is actively involved in charity like her dad was. She actively donates to underprivileged families in Chicago through the Ephraim Bahar Cultural Centre.

She had a close relationship with her late father. She paid a moving tribute to her father on the sixth anniversary of his death, saying he left an important print on the world. She further said that the values and principles he stood for included loving, caring, respecting, and giving.

3. Rasheda Ali

Muhammad Ali’s children
Rasheda attends The Eighth Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards at Muhammad Ali Centre in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo: Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Rasheda is Jamillah's twin sister. Unlike her twin sister, she ventured into writing and public speaking. She is an author and speaker who makes appearances in shows such as Dateline, Good Morning America, TMZ Sports, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News.

Full name

Rasheda Ali

Gender

Female

Year of birth

1970

Age

53 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

New York and Atlanta, United States of America

Current residence

Illinois, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Bob Walsh

Children

2

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Khalilah Ali

Biological siblings

3

Stepsiblings

5

Education

Western Illinois University

Profession

Author, speaker, businesswoman, and Parkinson's disease advocate

Instagram

@rashedaali1

Rasheda studied at the University of Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. She is the author of I’ll Hold Your Hand So You Won’t Fall – A Child’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease. The book is available in French, Spanish, English, and Polish.

She is a patron of Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Centre. As a speaker on Parkinson’s disease, she often travels across the globe to spread awareness about the condition.

In addition, Rasheda is a shoe designer and owns two shoe stores in New York and Atlanta. She has two kids. Her son, Nico, is a professional boxer who followed in his grandfather's footsteps. Her other son, Biaggio, is an amateur MMA fighter

4. Muhammad Ali Jr.

Who are Muhammad Ali’s children?
Muhammad Ali Jr., son of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, participates in a forum titled 'Ali v. Trump: The Fight for American Values' about immigration enforcement with Democratic members of the House of Representatives in the House Visitors Centre at the US Capitol. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Muhammad Ali Jr. is the fourth child of the legendary boxer and his second wife, Khalilah. He was born after three daughters, making him his first son.

Profile summary

Full name

Muhammad Ali Jr.

Gender

Male

Year of birth

1972

Age

51 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America

Current residence

Miami, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Marital status

Married but estranged

Spouse

Shaakira

Children

3

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Khalilah Ali

Biological siblings

3

Stepsiblings

5

Profession

Businessman

Muhammad Ali Jr. did not have a close relationship with his father. He is his dad's only biological son. In 2014, he revealed in an interview that the legendary boxer had neglected him to suffer in poverty.

At some point in his life, he struggled with substance addiction. He even abandoned his wife and kids in Chicago for Miami. He has since recollected himself and wants to do better.

He has an organisation that helps kids struggling with bullying and promotes anti-racism. Filmmaker Chad Verdi released his story in the documentary My Father Muhammad Ali in January 2023. The film narrates the story of the world champion through the eyes of his son.

5. Miya Ali

Who are Muhammad Ali’s children?
(L-R) Miya Ali, Khaliah, and Laila attend Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XXIII at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
Source: Getty Images

Miya is one of the kids the boxer got outside of marriage. She was mainly raised by her mother and barely knew about her father's iconic status as a child.

Profile summary

Full name

Miya Ali

Gender

Female

Year of birth

1972

Age

51 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

United States of America

Current residence

California, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Patricia Harvell

Stepsiblings

8

Education

Teaneck High School, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus, and Andrews University

Profession

Sales manager

Miya is a sales manager who has worked for multiple American companies. She is the product of an extramarital affair the legendary boxer had with Patricia Harvell.

She is quite reserved and keeps her private life away from the media. Miya supports her sister's work at Laila Ali Lifestyle.

6. Khaliah Ali

Muhammad Ali’s children
Khaliah Ali at the Black Music Action Coalition Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Khaliah is an author, a renowned fashion designer, and a real estate agent. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Spencer Wertheimer, and their son Jacob.

Profile summary

Full name

Khaliah Ali

Gender

Female

Year of birth

June 1974

Age

49 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Current residence

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Spencer Wertheimer

Children

1

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Wanda Bolton (Aaisha Ali)

Stepsiblings

8

Education

Rosemont College and Cornell University

Profession

Fashion designer and real estate agent

Khaliah was born in June 1974 to Wanda Bolton, alias Aaisha Ali, when her father was still married to Belinda Boyd (Khalilah). Her father dated her mother when she was only 16.

In 1975, the late boxer married Aaisha in an Islamic ceremony, but the union was not recognised legally. Aaisha and her mother lived at Ali's Deer Lake training camp.

In January 1985, Aaisha sued the boxer for unpaid palimony. The case was settled when he agreed to set up a $200,000 trust fund for Khaliah.

In 2001, Khaliah said she believed her father viewed her as a mistake. Even so, she loved the moments she had alone with him.

Today, Khaliah is a public speaker who has appeared in numerous television and radio shows. She is also a fashion designer and real estate agent.

7. Hana Ali

Who are Muhammad Ali’s children?
Hana Ali at the unveiling of the sculpture "ReALIze" at the Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/FilmMagic
Source: Getty Images

Hana is the late boxer's seventh child and the first with his third wife, Veronica Porché. She is an author based in Los Angeles, California.

Profile summary

Full name

Hana Ali

Gender

Female

Date of birth

15 June 1976

Age

47 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

Miami Beach, Florida, United States of America

Current residence

Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Zodiac sign

Gemini

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Kevin Casey

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Veronica Porché

Siblings

8 (1 biological & 7 stepsiblings)

Profession

Artist, master educator, and author

In 2016, Hana revealed her dad's demise brought the Ali children together and made them closer. She went on to say that her father's desire to bring his family together stemmed from his own upbringing.

Hana has ventured into writing and has authored several books, including her 2018 biography called At Home with Muhammad Ali. The book details the ups and downs her father experienced in life. She is married to Kevin Casey, a mixed martial artist based in Los Angeles.

8. Laila Ali

Muhammad Ali’s children
Laila Ali teams up with T.J.Maxx to launch "The Maxx You Project," encouraging women to let their individuality shine in New York City. Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for T.J. Maxx
Source: Getty Images

Laila Ali is a television personality, retired professional boxer, dancer, and actress. Her boxing career lasted from 1999 to 2007. She is Muhammad Ali's last daughter and last biological child.

Profile summary

Full name

Laila Amaria Ali

Nicknames

She Bee Stingin’, Madame Butterfly, and Pretty Baby

Gender

Female

Date of birth

30 December 1977

Age

46 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

Miami Beach, Florida, United States of America

Current residence

Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Zodiac sign

Capricorn

Sexuality

Straight

Height

5 ft 11 in (181 cm)

Weight

154lb (70 kg)

Hair colour

Dark brown

Eye colour

Brown

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Curtis Conway

Ex-spouse

Johnny "Yahya" McClain

Children

2

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Veronica Porché

Biological siblings

1

Stepsiblings

7

Education

Hamilton High School and Santa Monica College

Profession

Television personality, retired professional boxer, dancer, and actress

Instagram

@thereallailaali

Facebook

@Laila Ali

Laila followed in her father's footsteps. She competed in professional boxing matches from 1999 to 2007 and finished her career undefeated. She is an alumna of Santa Monica College.

She held the WBC, WIBA, IWBF and IBA female super middleweight titles and the IWBF light heavyweight title. Laila joined the media industry after retiring from boxing.

She has appeared in numerous TV shows and starred in The Masked Singer series and voiced herself in the Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? television series.

She also runs Laila Ali Lifestyle, a site featuring a blog, an online shop, and her charity projects. Pictures of Muhammad Ali's children are available online. However, a picture of all of them together is a challenge.

9. Assad Amin Ali

Assad Amin is the late Muhammad Ali's last child. The late boxer and his fourth wife, Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams, adopted Assad in 1986 when he was five months old.

Profile summary

Full name

Assad Amin Ali

Gender

Male

Year of birth

1986

Age

37 years (as of 2023)

Place of birth

Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America

Current residence

Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Religion

Islam

Sexuality

Straight

Height

6 ft 3 in (190 cm)

Weight

235lb (107 kg)

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Black

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Rachel McNulty

Children

2

Father

Muhammad Ali

Mother

Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams

Siblings

8

Education

University of Louisville

Profession

Baseball player and coach

Assad chose the path of baseball and even played in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played as a catcher and was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the 40th round in 2009.

Muhammad Ali's son has a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Louisville. He works as an assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator for a local college and an area scout for the Chicago White Sox.

Who inherited Muhammad Ali's money?

The former world champion left his vast asset valued at around $80 million. His wife, Lonnie, earned a 20% stake in his company. His children also inherited his wealth.

Who controls Muhammad Ali's estate?

After the boxer's death, his wife, Lonnie, and his children inherited the bulk of his estate. Reports suggest his kids got $6 million each, and the rest went to Lonnie. However, the distribution of his assets sparked controversy and legal battles among his family. Maryum and Muhammad Jr. sued Lonnie for mismanaging his estate and keeping them from receiving their fair share of the inheritance. The case was settled out of court.

Muhammad Ali’s children are nine in total. The greatest heavyweight boxer of all time wanted his children to bond with each other, and his sickness and demise brought them closer.

Sportsbrief.com recently published a list of the greatest female professional boxers of all time. Boxing has gained popularity over the years, attracting masses worldwide to participate in the thrill.

It is considered the most challenging sport. Since its inception in the 23rd Olympiad (688 BC) Olympics, boxing was considered a man's sport. However, reports on women entering the ring date back to the 18th century.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.
Cyprine Apindi photo
Cyprine Apindi
Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and reporter with over 4 years of experience based in Kenya. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication from Kenyatta University.