Who is Khalilah Ali? Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife and mum of four who married the boxer when she was 17
BELINDA Boyd changed her name to Khalilah after marrying iconic boxer Muhammad Ali.
From divorces, to her own sports career, here’s everything you need to know about the 67-year-old…
Who is Khalilah Ali?
Khalilah Camacho Ali, born Belinda Boyd, was Muhammad Ali’s second wife.
She had four children with the star: Maryum, Jamillah, Rasheda and Muhammad Ali, Jr.
Her decade-long marriage to the world-renowned boxer kicked off in 1967 following the break-down of Ali’s relationship with Sonji Roi.
Why did Khalilah Ali and Muhammad Ali split?
Khalilah stuck by her husband after he was stripped of his world championship title for refusing to represent his country in the Vietnam War.
But their partnership broke down when Muhammad began an illicit extramarital marriage with 16-year-old Wanda Bolton.
Khalilah has accused her ex-husband of having many illegitimate children.
Last year, she told the : “I had to protect Ali from lots of paternity suits.
“I went through a lot with that man – he had a real dark side.
“Tiger Woods and Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t have nothing on Muhammad Ali.”
Following the death of the infamous sportsman last year, Khalilah branded Ali’s final wife Lonnie Williams as “evil”.
She also claimed that claims the widow blocked The Greatest from seeing his children.
What else is Khalilah Ali famous for?
It wasn’t just her ex-husband that had a talent for sport.
In 1977, Khalilah was awarded a third degree black belt in karate.
After studying under Jim Kelly and Steve Saunders, she eventually earned her ninth degree black belt.
Her other achievements include appearing on the front cover of Ebony magazine, where she could be spotted on seven separate occasions.
As well as appearing in numerous documentaries about her ex-husband Muhammad, Khalilah has landed an acting role.
In 1979, she appeared in thriller The China Syndrome, which also starred Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas.
Recently, Khalilah has spoken out about US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
When is Frank Skinner on Muhammad Ali on TV?
Khalilah will be one of the guests featuring on Frank Skinner on Muhammad Ali.
The popular comedian will be going on a journey to explore the life of the boxing legend.
Throughout the show, he will visit key locations and people in Ali’s life.
The highly-anticipated programme will air on BBC One tonight at 9pm.
