August 25, (THEWILL) – Dr Khalilah Camacho, wife of late boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, was recently in Nigeria to kick-start events to mark the Golden jubilee of the iconic boxing match between Ali and George Foreman held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), the first world heavyweight boxing bout staged on African soil and tagged ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ She spoke with IVORY UKONU on a wide range of issues, including her late husband and her life as the spouse of a famous boxer. Excerpts:
What is your reason for visiting Nigeria?
I am here to collaborate with some sponsors for the 50th anniversary of the iconic boxing match between the late Muhammed Ali and George Foreman. The spectacular tournament, which will be tagged ‘Rumble in Nigeria 2024,’ will take place in October. Also, I am here to know more about the mental health of Nigerian athletes. Mental health is very important. We are here to support the mental health institute to make sure our athletes go through that so they can have support. A lot of them are injured, brain damaged and have mental health issues.
Why are you interested in staging the 50th anniversary of the fight in Nigeria rather than Congo where the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ originally took place?
Well, Muhammad Ali had a deep and meaningful connection to Nigeria. Throughout his life, he made several visits to the country, which not only left a lasting impact on the people but also was significant in his life. One of his most notable visits was in 1964, just a few months after he won the heavyweight boxing title by defeating Sonny Liston. Another significant visit was in 1971 when General Yakubu Gowon, who was in power, hosted him. Nigeria gave him support in his career and you are all part of the legacy. Nigeria is a very important country not only in Africa but also globally. From your music to your movies, to the academia, Nigeria is on every lip.
This is obviously your first visit to Nigeria. What is your impression of the country?
Yes, it is my first time. Nigeria is a beautiful place and the people are great. The first time I came to Africa; everyone thought it was a jungle. We were fighting for black power and our civil rights in America. I came over here and I saw true black power. I saw men flying planes and all black men in the control towers here in Africa. I saw the true black power here. I just feel coming to Nigeria is like coming home.
What was your marriage with Muhammed Ali lke? What attracted you to him and made you fall in love with him?
He was not Muhammed Ali when I met him. He was Cassius Clay. This man didn’t become great overnight. We had to come together to build a legacy. We struggled for his freedom so that he could fight. He wasn’t always Muhammad Ali like you see him. There comes the growing, support, sacrifice, struggle, it came with all of it first. Then the outcome. You see Muhammad Ali because he had a wife supporting him through his trials and tribulations. Behind every great man is a great woman. Marriage with him was beautiful. We raised four beautiful children and they are all Muslims. We are all Muslims. My children are grownups, even my grandchildren are grown now. My grandchildren from the twins that we have are the two boys that are boxers, like their grandfather. They are great fighters too, they are living the legacy and I’m proud of it.
What do you miss most about Ali?
His comedy. He could make you laugh. You know that we wanted to come to Nigeria together, but it didn’t happen. I feel his spirit knows I’m here already.
Not many people are aware that Muhammed Ali was married to a pilot
I started flying when I was 23 years-old and at 74, I still fly. I love to fly. I love speed. Now I am on the board of a flight company in Los Angeles, where we teach young black sisters and brothers to fly. I’m on the board of a flight company in California as well. We need more pilots, more female pilots, we need more astronauts. In NASA, the women were the mathematical scientists that gave them direction for landing people that go to the moon and black women are part of that.
You don’t look 74. What is your secret?
I don’t feel it at all. I don’t act it at all, too. You know what I feel? I feel 38. I don’t even feel 40. I think what has kept me this way is because I like to tour the world. I keep moving. I don’t stop, I keep moving. I have kept active, committed to the things I do. Like film and design. Film, maybe because I am also an actress. Half of my family members are in law enforcement. So, I have a police movie which dwells on how the police force works with the community in the United States. I am very excited about that. Most importantly, I’m a designer. I design athletic jumpsuits for men and women. I am designing athletic jumpsuits for Nigerian athletes; it should be ready in October.
Beside the police movie, what other movies have you produced?
I have produced one movie, but I co-produced some others.
You are also an author. How many books have you written?
I have only written one book and it is titled ‘Undefeated’ where I opened up about my marriage with Muhammed Ali as he faced his biggest challenges during the Vietnam War era. It is a story about forgiveness and reclamation and all that transpired in my relationship with him. In the book, I shared the stories of my struggle, success, survival, personal growth, infidelity, etc.
What would you consider to be your greatest influence when growing up?
My parents. I learnt from both of them, but my father was the one that inspired me to be open to different nationalities. My father opened up the cultural part of my life. My mother was always there. The way she acted towards my father showed me what love was about. If it wasn’t in her speech, it was the way she acted. My mother and father were married for 68 years, my father always followed her. They were friends with each other and they made a happy home for me and my sisters and brother. There is nothing like a good father and mother. When I say good, we may not agree on everything, but we respect each other.
You have a very peculiar style. How would you describe it?
I always create my own styles. I wear my own style of clothes. It’s based on majesty and respect. This is my Islamic heritage, donning proper dress which will ultimately make an impact on our children. We need to cover them up. They have to leave something to the imagination. A lot of American girls go nude and they show everything. We have to show them they don’t have to do that. What I advise women is to not follow Western civilisation’s wardrobe. Don’t try to be Barbie, don’t try to be somebody you are not. Be proud of your heritage, be proud of yourself, be proud of your beautiful black hair, your beautiful lips, your beautiful eye be proud of it because we are the most beautiful people in the world. We should be proud of it. I have a problem with the black woman wanting to have brown hair. I have a problem with everybody wearing red hair, blue hair, yellow hair. We have the most beautiful culture in the world and the most beautiful life. Our lips, our nose, eyes, ears, we are the most beautiful human beings ever so why try to copy some other culture or some other person? I don’t want to be a Barbie doll. I’m a Nigerian doll, and I’m proud to be Afro-American. I suggest to women, build your own culture, be proud of the way you look.
How do you unwind?
When I’m having a conversation, that’s how I unwind. When I go to another country, that’s the most hype for me. I love travelling around the world.
