SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There were no final words from Muhammad Ali in the days leading up to his death, one of the famous boxer’s former wives told USA TODAY Sports.
Veronica Porsche, the mother of two of Ali’s daughters — Laila and Hana — said family members told her that Ali was unable to speak Monday when he was taken to HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. He did not regain the ability to communicate before he died Friday, according to Porsche, who lives in the Los Angeles area and said she got periodic reports about Ali’s health from her daughters.
Porsche said she slept little during the final days before Ali’s death.
“It’s very emotional,’’ she said. “I was with him for 12 years of my life. He was the love of my life. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I loved him. I would have thrown myself in front of bullets for him back then."
“We used to have death threats, and I remember when I was 19 years old my secret plan was that if I saw someone was about to shoot him I was going to jump in front of him," she said.
But ultimately, it was septic shock that was the cause of death for Ali. His health had declined rapidly in recent years, and Porsche said Ali, who experienced severe tremors as a result of Parkinson's disease, had been unable to sign his name for at least a year.
“I haven’t spoken to him for a long time because he has not been able to talk,’’ she said, recalling a final meeting with the former heavyweight champions that she said took place in Los Angeles a few years ago.
“I’m really sad, but I’m also happy for him because he’s free from his body,’’ she added. “So he can meet the Creator and basically soar again. Those are my beliefs. I know he’s just soaring about, going home. …
“I believe in eternal life and so did he.’’
GALLERY: MUHAMMAD ALI THROUGH THE YEARS
