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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 18: Muhammad Ali watches a younger version of himself on a big screen with amazement as his daughter, Rasheda Ali-Walsh, looks on at the media opening of the Muhammad Ali Center on November 18, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. The $75 million center, which honors the life and career of the boxing legend, opens to the public November 21. (Photo by David Lutman/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-56235080.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 18: Muhammad Ali watches a younger version of himself on a big screen with amazement as his daughter, Rasheda Ali-Walsh, looks on at the media opening of the Muhammad Ali Center on November 18, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. The $75 million center, which honors the life and career of the boxing legend, opens to the public November 21. (Photo by David Lutman/Getty Images)
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was known for his unparalleled skills inside the squared circle and charismatic personality, which transcended the sport of boxing. His legacy extends beyond his achievements inside the ring, encompassing his unwavering activism and profound impact on society. However, the spotlight that accompanied his fame and success also had unintended consequences on his family.
Growing up in the Ali household was not easy for some of his daughters. The pressure that came with being the daughter of one of the most famous people certainly had its perks. However, it also had its own set of problems which have carried on to the third generation as well. Rasheda Ali, the daughter of the boxing legend recently opened up about the impact her father has had on her children. She has two children – Nico and Biaggio both of whom are currently pursuing careers in combat sports.
Muhammad Ali’s daughter details the impact of her father’s legacy on her children
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In a recent interview with Youcef Hollywood, Rasheda revealed how gaining trust was hard for her sons. She claimed that the attention Nico and Biaggio get just by carrying the legacy of Ali has had quite an impact on their careers. However, she added that these were things beyond anyone’s control and that they would have to carry on this burden.
“I think now that they’re older, they’re men, they’re starting to understand the importance. And also, trust is a major issue when you’re garnering this type of attention, as my boys have in their combat sports. And again, this is something that they didn’t really ask for. Um, then you become an iconic figure, a descendant if you will. That’s something that’s out of your control, right? So you can only control so much,” she said.
Biaggio is currently an MMA fighter, while Nico has carried on with the same profession as his late grandfather. The two have not only inherited their grandfather’s love for competition, but they also find themselves thrust into the spotlight due to their family name. Moreover, their mother acknowledges that Nico and Biaggio did not ask for this level of attention and iconic status; it is something they inherited. Despite this, she feels that it would have been better for them to not have the Ali name.
Rasheda Ali did not want her sons to be associated with Ali
The 53-year-old author then stated that in a perfect world, her sons would have wanted to be unknown. This was because it would have given them a chance to get associated with the sport without all the added pressure that comes with carrying the family’s name. “If it was their choice, I think in the perfect world, I think they probably would just be, nobody would know who they are, and they can kind of grow into the sport,” she said.
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American actress and director Jodie Foster and boxer Muhammad Ali (1942 – 2016). 12th Annual IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards. Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California, 22nd March 1997. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Ali’s legacy continues to shape the lives of his family members. While his influence provides them with a unique platform and opportunities, it also presents challenges and responsibilities. Ultimately, Biaggio and Nico must navigate their own paths, honoring their family legacy while also forging their own identities in the world of combat sports.
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What did you think about Rasheda giving her honest take on the impact of Ali’s legacy on her sons? Let us know in the comments below.
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