Muhammad Ali's 9 Children: Meet the Boxing Legend's Sons and Daughters.
Muhammad Ali’s legacy is being carried forward by his nine children: Maryum, Rasheda, Jamillah, Muhammad Ali Jr., Khaliah, Miya, Hana, Laila, and Asaad Amin. The legendary heavyweight champion, who passed away in June 2016, had a blended family, shaped by his four marriages and five women. Despite his incredibly busy life as a boxer and global icon, Ali worked hard to ensure his children received his love and attention.
In fact, his daughter Miya, in an interview with LipTalk Podcast in 2022, shared how her father made sure each of his children felt special, even in their large, blended family. His daughter Hana also expressed similar sentiments in her 2018 memoir, At Home with Muhammad Ali: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Forgiveness. Hana wrote, “Although our stories differ, we share the fact that throughout our lives, our father showered us with unconditional love and affection.”
Even as his career kept him away, Ali made sure to unite his family. Hana recalled that every summer, their father would bring all his children together, despite them living in different states. Ali’s ability to balance his career and family was something he often spoke about. “I tried to be the greatest boxer in the world and a good parent, too,” he said, reflecting on his dual responsibilities as a world-renowned athlete and a father.
Muhammad Ali’s Children: The Next Generation of the Greatest
Though Muhammad Ali’s children all had different mothers and grew up in diverse environments, they share a strong bond, thanks to their father’s dedication. From social advocacy to sports, the Ali children have each built their own paths while continuing to honor their father’s legacy. Here’s everything you need to know about Muhammad Ali’s nine children:
1. Maryum “May May” Ali (56)
Maryum “May May” Ali
Maryum Ali is the eldest of Muhammad Ali's children. Born on June 18, 1968, to Ali and his second wife, Khalilah Ali (née Belinda Boyd), Maryum is known for her work as a social worker and advocate for Parkinson’s disease awareness, a cause dear to her heart since her father’s diagnosis in 1984.
Maryum, who initially pursued a career in comedy and rap, shifted her focus to social work, working for over 15 years in juvenile delinquency prevention and youth development. Her commitment to Parkinson’s awareness helped bring attention to the challenges of those living with the disease. She even authored a children’s book in 2003, I Shook Up the World, which told the story of her father’s legendary career.
Parkinson’s disease deeply affected Muhammad Ali, causing physical symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and balance issues. Emotionally, it led to isolation and misjudgment, as many didn’t understand his condition. Ali struggled with therapies and medication, requiring support from his family, particularly his wife Lonnie and daughter Maryum. Despite these challenges, public events like lighting the Olympic torch in 1996 allowed him to reconnect with his fans and raise awareness about the disease.
In interviews, Maryum often credits her father for shaping her character, particularly in how to be a respectful woman and avoid negative societal influences. She’s now an active public speaker, sharing lessons from her upbringing.
2. Miya Ali (52)
Miya Ali
Miya Ali, born in 1972 to Muhammad Ali and Patricia Harvell, had a unique upbringing. Though she lived apart from her father, Ali made special efforts to spend time with her, even visiting her school to clear up any doubts her classmates had about his identity as her father. Miya, who struggled with dyslexia and was often bullied growing up, later became an advocate for dyslexia awareness.
In adulthood, Miya moved in with her father to attend college in Michigan. She fondly remembers him as a fun, supportive figure, calling him more of a friend than a typical father. Today, Miya works as a brand ambassador for her sister Laila’s lifestyle brand, Laila Ali Lifestyle, while raising her son, Michael.
3. Rasheda Ali (54)
Rasheda Ali
Rasheda Ali, born on August 21, 1970, alongside her twin sister Jamillah, is deeply involved in preserving her father’s legacy. Like Maryum, Rasheda is an advocate for Parkinson’s disease awareness. In 2005, she authored I’ll Hold Your Hand So You Won’t Fall: A Child’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease, which helps children understand the disease.
After her father’s passing in 2016, Rasheda made it a point to continue his charitable work. She was present at his bedside during his final moments, and later, she vowed to carry on his mission of love and giving. Rasheda also appeared in the 2021 Muhammad Ali docuseries, sharing personal insights into her father’s life and legacy.
Upon hearing Friday night that George Foreman had passed away at 76, Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Rasheda Ali-Walsh, reached out to George Foreman Jr., the oldest son of the former heavyweight champion, with a text message.
“Please know that we’re here for you, sending much love and support,” Rasheda Ali-Walsh shared with USA TODAY Sports, adding, “Your dad is sparring with my dad in heaven.”
“Probably wearing not only boxing gloves but smiles,” Ali-Walsh agreed.
4. Jamillah Ali-Joyce (54)
Jamillah Ali-Joyce
Jamillah Ali, also born on August 21, 1970, to Muhammad Ali and Khalilah, has always maintained a close relationship with her father. She recalls how Ali often brought his children together, despite them living in different places, and spent summers with them at his Los Angeles mansion.
Jamillah studied at Western Illinois University, where she earned a degree in mass communications, and later worked as a job counselor for over 20 years. She also helped raise funds for several Chicago-based charities. Jamillah has been married to Michael Joyce, and together they have three children: Nadia, Amira, and Jake.
In February, Fighter’s Heaven recently hosted Muhammad Ali’s twin daughters, Rasheda and Jamillah, along with their families, for a private overnight stay at their father’s former training camp.
Although Rasheda and Jamillah spent time there as children, this was their first visit since the site reopened as a tourist attraction. The camp, which was originally established by Ali for his training during the 1970s, offers visitors a chance to connect with the legendary boxer’s legacy. The family, including Rasheda’s husband Bob and sons Biaggio and Nico, and Jamillah’s children Nadia, Amira, and Jake, enjoyed a “fantastic time” touring the camp, playing in the snow, and sharing a family meal.
5. Khaliah Ali (50)
Khaliah Ali
Khaliah Ali, born in June 1974 to Muhammad Ali and Wanda Bolton (now known as Aaisha), has often spoken about her father’s loving nature. Growing up, she spent time at Ali’s training camp in Pennsylvania, and her father was always supportive, even calling her “Madame President” for her intelligence and beauty.
Khaliah, who works as a fashion designer, was with her father during his final moments in 2016. She has since continued to honor his memory by sharing the story of his love for family. In August 2023, she announced her relationship with music executive Jason Flom, and they were married in October 2024.
In October 22, 2024 Jason Flom and Khaliah Ali were honored with the inaugural Visionary Leadership & Impact Award at the Young Audiences Arts for Learning Annual Benefit Gala in New York. The award recognized their decades of humanitarian work and commitment to justice reform. Flom, a music executive and advocate for social justice, and Ali, who continues her father’s legacy in community service, are also working together on wrongful conviction cases across the country.
6. Muhammad Ali Jr. (51)
Muhammad Ali Jr.
Muhammad Ali Jr., born in 1972, grew up alongside his siblings and shares fond memories of family trips to Ali’s training camp. He describes his relationship with his father as more of a brotherly bond, where they could talk openly about anything. Despite facing struggles in his adulthood, including battling drug addiction, Muhammad Jr. has become an advocate for anti-bullying and self-defense through his Muhammad Ali Legacy Continues organization.
Muhammad Ali Jr. has three children: Saliah, Ameera, and Shakera. In 2023, he was featured in the documentary My Father Muhammad Ali: The Untold Story, where he discussed his struggles and his ongoing efforts to better his life.
In January 2025, Muhammad Ali Jr., launched the Muhammad Ali Legacy Continued Foundation in the UK to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease in the Black community. The foundation aims to encourage Black and minority ethnic groups to participate in medical trials, ensuring better representation in Parkinson’s research. Ali Jr. spent six weeks in Britain last year working on the initiative.
7. Hana Ali (48)
Hana Ali
Born on August 6, 1976, Hana Ali, the youngest child of Ali and his third wife, Veronica, has written several books about her father. In At Home with Muhammad Ali, she shares stories about her father’s loving presence, including his habit of bringing homeless families home and making her feel like the most special little girl in the world.
Hana has appeared in documentaries about her father, such as The Trials of Muhammad Ali and I Am Ali. Today, she resides in Los Angeles with her husband, MMA fighter Kevin Casey.
8. Laila Ali (47)
Laila Ali
Laila Ali, born on December 30, 1977, to Muhammad Ali and Veronica, initially faced her father’s disapproval when she decided to pursue boxing. However, after a successful career that saw her retire undefeated, Laila earned her father’s respect and pride. She became a super middleweight and light heavyweight champion, and in 2007, she retired from the sport.
In addition to her boxing career, Laila has become an entrepreneur and runs Laila Ali Lifestyle, a brand focused on health and wellness. She’s also appeared on various TV shows, including The Masked Singer and Celebrity Wife Swap. Laila has two children, Curtis Muhammad Conway Jr. and Sydney J. Conway, with her husband, NFL star Curtis Conway.
9. Asaad Amin (27)
Asaad Amin
Asaad Amin, born in 1993, is Muhammad Ali’s adopted son with his fourth wife, Lonnie Ali. Raised on a farm in Michigan, Asaad has pursued a career in sports, working for the Chicago White Sox and coaching college baseball. He is currently a multimedia content producer for the University of Louisville.
Asaad, who often shares touching tributes to his father, wrote after Muhammad Ali’s death: “You’ve shown me how to love the world in ways I didn’t know possible.” He has two children with his wife, Rachel Ali.
Muhammad Ali’s Enduring Legacy Through His Children
Muhammad Ali’s children are living testaments to his enduring legacy. Whether through activism, sports, or personal stories, each child has found a way to carry forward the values of love, resilience, and respect that their father instilled in them. From Laila Ali’s undefeated boxing career to Muhammad Ali Jr.’s anti-bullying efforts, the Ali family continues to inspire the world in diverse and meaningful ways.
