Muhammad Ali’s Ex-Wife Reveals His Insecurities and Envy of Elvis Presley

Muhammad Ali, renowned as the greatest heavyweight boxing champion, was not immune to bouts of insecurity despite his courage and wit that made him an inspiration to many.

According to his ex-wife, Ali secretly envied the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, for being “prettier” than him.

Ali, known for his physical prowess, also admired Brazilian football legend Pele as a “true athlete”.

He was fascinated by The Beatles and their iconic mop-top haircuts.

In a rare glimpse into Ali's mindset, his second wife Khalilah recalls his words, saying, “Muhammad loved Elvis.

He told me, ‘Elvis is real pretty.

People love him because all the women love him – he's so pretty.

I'm not as pretty as Elvis and he draws all the women out of nowhere'.”

The two icons were close friends in the years leading up to Presley's death in 1977.

Ali even referred to himself as “The Elvis of Boxing”.

Presley gifted Ali a custom jeweled robe that mistakenly read “People's Choice” instead of “People's Champ” before his fight against Joe Bugner in 1973.

Khalilah adds, “Whenever Muhammad and I were in Elvis's company, he was always down to earth, just like Muhammad.

He loved to give and help others.”

Khalilah, who married Ali in 1967 when she was 17 and he was 25, also shares Ali's admiration for Pele as another successful black athlete at the top of his sport.

Pele is famous for winning the World Cup three times with Brazil, while Ali claimed the heavyweight world title three times, with an impressive professional record.

During a trip to Cairo, Egypt in 1975, they watched Pele perform at the Nile Stadium, leaving Ali in awe.

Khalilah describes the moment as witnessing two black men at the pinnacle of their respective sports, admiring each other and creating a powerful connection.

Originally from Chicago and now residing in Florida, Khalilah met Ali at a mosque in her hometown when she was just 10 years old.

At that time, Ali was still known as Cassius Clay, and Khalilah was Belinda Boyd.

During their nine-year marriage, they lived together with their four children in a lavish home in New Jersey, which frequently hosted celebrities and strangers alike.

Khalilah shares anecdotes of their life together, including Ali's playful behavior and love for showing off their beautiful home.

She recalls instances when famous personalities like Michael Parkinson visited their residence and Ali would playfully demand food, assuming the role of the master of the house.

While Ali enjoyed manual labor such as chopping trees and doing chores together, their lives became more challenging after the birth of their twins.

Their marriage eventually ended when Ali had an affair with Wanda Bolton, a 16-year-old girl.

Khalilah later accused him of fathering many illegitimate children.

Despite the betrayal, Khalilah understood Ali's weaknesses and admired his recognition of her strength.

She reflects on their conversation, saying, “I said to him, ‘How come you just can't be strong?'

I was strong in my convictions…

He told me, ‘I don't want to pat you on the back or anything, but if I was half as strong as you, I would really be happier'.”

Khalilah stood by Ali during his most difficult times, such as when he was stripped of his world championship and faced imprisonment for refusing to fight in Vietnam.

She used her college money to support their family.

As his right-hand woman, she played a crucial role in managing his career behind the scenes.

Even after their divorce in 1977, they remained friends until Ali's passing in 2016 due to Parkinson's Disease.

However, Khalilah expresses disappointment that she was not consulted for the 2001 Hollywood film about Ali's life, starring Will Smith.

She believes her significant role in Ali's journey was overlooked.

Despite this, she fondly remembers Ali as a happy person who got along well with others and misses him dearly.

Khalilah Ali's book, “UNDEFEATED: The Untold Story of My Forgiveness, Healing and Reclamation,” is available on Amazon.