‘They Tried All Sorts of Punishments’: Laila Ali Was Forced to Defend Her Sister From ‘Overbearing’ People in Their Own House

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila has often spoken about her childhood in interviews and podcasts. Despite the fact that her father was one of the most respected people in the country, her childhood was not without its challenges. She mentioned her early years in some of the excerpts of her book ‘Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power.’

Muhammad Ali had nine children, and Laila was the youngest girl he had. While talking about her sister Hana, Laila stated in her book, “Hana could be disobedient. She wanted things her way and was known to throw a tantrum or two; she wore a T-shirt that read THE BOSS. The nannies had a tough time getting her to behave. They tried all sorts of punishments, some of which were overbearing.”

Laila had assumed the position of the protector in a home that felt unprotected. Laila and her father constantly encountered forks in the path. Both her boxing and their differing religious beliefs have occasionally caused conflict between the two.

DIVE DEEPER: What Is Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Laila Ali’s Religion, Is She Muslim Like Her Father?

Laila Ali describes how she consoled her sister when she got afraid 

Later on, Laila developed into one of the best female boxers the world has ever seen. However, her father disapproved of her competing in boxing matches since he believed it wasn’t a sport for women. But in subsequent years, he came to terms with it after seeing his daughter advance in the boxing world and win championships.

Muhammad Ali was mostly busy with his training and other things. So Laila always felt the absence of her father during her childhood. She described her relationship with Hana and wrote, “When a nanny told Hana the boogieman was going to get her, Hana ran to my room. When she became afraid of the dark, I went to her room and stayed the night. When our nannies punished her for breaking their rules, I defended her. My instinct was to stick up for my sister-and my mother as well.” 

After her retirement from boxing, Laila became a television personality and she even shared her life experiences as a motivational speaker. Meanwhile, what do you think about the above excerpt from her book? Let us know in the comments below.  

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘I Never Went Into My Sport Thinking That I’m a Woman’: Despite Father Muhammad Ali & Others Not Wanting Her to Box, Laila Ali Revealed How She Found Her Reins in ‘Male Dominated’ Sport