Muhammad Ali Ailing, Near Death Rumors Debunked: "He's fine," Daughter Says (PHOTOS)
The daughter of Muhammad Ali is dismissing rumors that her father is near death, according to The Associated Press.
May-May Ali, the eldest of the nine Ali children, said she spoke with her father on Sunday morning and that he was fine. In fact, she said he even watched the Super Bowl at his home in Arizona.
In a photo released by the family, the three-time heavyweight world champion is sitting in a wheelchair with his fists posted up in boxing stance, wearing Ray Lewis' "Team of Destiny" T-shirt. There are also Raven's helmets and banners in the background.
"He's fine; in fact, he was talking well this morning," May-May said in a telephone interview with the AP on Sunday. "These rumors pop up every once in a while but there's nothing to them."
Family spokesman Bob Gunnel spoke to The Courier-Journal and said Muhammed was having a Super Bowl party, adding, "He looks great."
Rumors of Muhammad's impending death swirled after a Daily Mail report cited his younger brother Rahman Ali who said his brother was in a bad state of health. Rahman told the London Sun, "He's in a bad way. He's very sick."
"My brother can't speak-he doesn't recognize me. He's in a bad way. He's very sick. "It could be months, it could be days."
Rahman was concerned that his brother could be "dead in days." He also stated that he has been barred by his sister-in-law, Lonnie Ali, from visiting his brother, and that he could only speak to him on the phone.
In 1984, Muhammad announced he was suffering from Parkinson's disease. He celebrated his 71st birthday in January.
