In the days before his passing, Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, remained silent, unable to speak as he battled his declining health.
Veronica Porsche, one of Ali's former wives and the mother of two of his daughters, shared with USA TODAY Sports that Ali was admitted to HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center on Monday without the ability to communicate.
Despite hopes for recovery, he never regained his voice before his eventual demise on Friday.
Porsche, residing in Los Angeles, stayed updated on Ali's condition through her daughters during this difficult period.
Recalling the emotional turmoil she faced during Ali's final days, Porsche expressed the deep connection she shared with him, spanning 12 years of her life.
She reminisced about the profound love she harbored for him, surpassing any other relationship she had experienced.
Reflecting on the past, she revealed her unwavering devotion, willing to sacrifice herself to protect Ali from harm, even amidst death threats they encountered together earlier in life.
The ultimate cause of Ali's passing was attributed to septic shock, marking the end of a prolonged decline in his health over recent years.
Porsche disclosed that due to the progression of Parkinson's disease, Ali had been unable to sign his name for an extended period.
Recounting her last encounter with the former heavyweight champion in Los Angeles several years ago, she lamented the loss of verbal communication with him, highlighting the impact of his physical limitations on their interactions.
Amidst the sorrow of his departure, Porsche found solace in believing that Ali had found freedom from his bodily constraints.
She expressed a mix of sadness and joy, acknowledging that his spirit could now reunite with the Creator and experience liberation once more.
Embracing her faith in eternal life, which she shared with Ali, Porsche envisioned him soaring to a higher realm, transcending earthly boundaries and finding peace in his newfound journey.
As the world mourns the loss of Muhammad Ali, his legacy as a fighter in and out of the ring continues to inspire generations, leaving an indelible mark on the history of sports and the human spirit.