‘Daddy Was an Overgrown Child’: Laila Ali Exposed Muhammad Ali’s True Nature 14 Years Before His Death

Former female middleweight champion Laila Ali was blessed and cursed at the same time by being the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. While some could argue she was lucky with her father being one of the most influential people in the world, she revealed that it was not easy being in the same house as her father.

Laila detailed this in her book Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power – Book where she revealed the true nature of her father and gave us an insight into being the child of the GOAT.

Laila Ali reveals the true nature of Muhammad Ali in her book

In the 11th page of the 2nd chapter, Laila stated that her father was like a big child who was yet to mature fully. She would also give instances where Muhammad would do things to please and spoil her. This included eating her vegetables so that she wouldn’t have to.

“Daddy was an overgrown child. He liked putting on Halloween masks and chasing us around the house. He knew we hated vegetables, so at dinnertime, when the nanny wasn’t looking, he’d scoop the broccoli off our plates and eat it for us. He’d swallow our huge vitamins so we wouldn’t have to. He’d rescue, protect, and spoil us any way he could.” she wrote

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‘The People’s Champ’ certainly loved her daughter and proved it by showing his affection. However, there was one thing that Ali wanted in return from his daughters after giving them his love.

Laila details what her father wanted in return for his love

In the next paragraph, Laila claimed that her father only wanted to love her and her sister while he could. The only thing he wanted in return was for them to become devout Muslims and conduct their life according to the teachings of Islam.

“Mainly though he just wanted to slobber kisses on us and make sure we were observant Muslims. My dad gave lots of love to us. His only requirement was that we grow up respectful Muslim women.” she wrote

Given the impact Islam had on Ali in his life, it’s no surprise that he wanted his daughters to become good Muslims as well. However, he was willing to love them only if they went according to his wishes and obeyed him like respectful daughters.

Watch Out for More: When the daughter of The Greatest shared her side of the family story

What did you think about Laila giving an insight into her father’s nature? Let us know in the comments.