Reports about the health of the legendary Muhammad Ali have been greatly exaggerated.
On Sunday, social media was abuzz with news that the former heavyweight champion was on the verge of death. As possibly the most recognizable person on the planet, obviously fans and friends of the icon shared their concern, spreading the story even further. However, his daughter refuted those rumors Sunday, saying he was at home watching the Super Bowl.
May May Ali said that on Sunday morning she spoke with her father by telephone, and that he was fine. He was at his home in Arizona preparing to root on the Baltimore Ravens in the big game.
“He’s fine, in fact he was talking well this morning,” she said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “These rumors pop up every once in a while but there’s nothing to them.”
Laila Ali also went to Twitter to dispel the rumors making the rounds about her father.
“My dads health is normal! Here is a pic of him today! Thanks for all well wishes.”
During the game, she also sent out another tweet for those who kept wondering about the latest news.
“2 all concerned, my father is the same as usual. I spoke 2 his wife today and she said he is totally fine & was watching the game! Thanks.”
She then attached a photograph of him sitting in a chair wearing a Ray Lewis Baltimore Ravens jersey.
Rumors began sweeping the internet following a report by The Sun, a British tabloid, which quoted Muhammad Ali’s brother, Rahman, as saying Ali was on the brink of death. However, Rahman said he had not seen his brother in quite some time and does not currently have any contact with the family.
Muhammad Ali suffers from Parkinson’s disease. The disease has greatly affected his health, making him the constant subject of rumors about his well-being. He celebrated his 71st birthday last month.
