London: Two of heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali's daughters have played down their father's health fears saying that the American is laughing at the rumours of his impending demise.
72-year-old Ali has had Parkinson's disease since 1984 and there has been constant speculation that his health is deteriorating. But his daughters Maryum and Hana have revealed that their father is in good spirits.
Hana was quoted by The BBC saying that Ali likes being talked about, adding that her father thinks it is funny and says he isn't dying. She added that even when these stories come out he gets excited and thinks he is going to make the front page of the papers.
Ali appeared frail when he attended the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics but Maryum and Hana say that despite his condition, he remains alert and active.
Maryum said that most stories come from people who don't understand Parkinson's, adding that Ali has never been on his deathbed. She claimed that her father has Parkinson's, he has had it for 30 years and it is a progressive degenerative disease but added that he does well and is healthy outside the Parkinson's.
Maryum also said that for some people it is so hard for them to see the old Ali and this Ali suffering with Parkinson's but he is doing well. She said that he enjoys his life and he is clear-minded, adding that he doesn't have dementia or Alzheimers and understands who one is.
Hana, who has been working with her sister and director Clare Lewins ahead of this week's premiere of the 'I am Ali' movie says that she speaks to her father every morning when his speech is at its best.
Hana admitted that in the morning he is at his best and he is talking clear and low and one can hear every word. She added that it is too bad the world doesn't get to see that.
Hana claimed that as the day goes on, Ali gets more exhausted but he is not in any physical pain and is exactly the same person inside.
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