The soulful, somber notes of the organ filled St. Stephen Baptist Church on the afternoon of Aug. 16, as dozens of mourners filed in to celebrate the life of Rahaman Ali, brother of Muhammad Ali.

Rahaman Ali, 82, died Aug. 1 after being in hospice care at Norton Audubon Hospital since July 19. He is survived by his wife Caroline and children Ibn, Alecia, Satina and Racinda.

Despite his brother’s passing almost a decade before, the shadow of “the greatest” loomed large over the proceedings.

Younger by a year and a half, Rahaman Ali gave up his own boxing career to become a chauffeur, sparring partner, gofer, chef and right-hand man for older brother Muhammad. But Rahaman’s dedication to his brother’s career, life and legacy made him a champion in his own right, friends and family said o

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