Muhammad Ali's boxing champ daughter to hold Abu Dhabi fitness class

ABU DHABI // Laila Ali, the four-time World Boxing Champion and daughter of icon Muhammad Ali, will host a fitness day in the capital to mark International Women’s Day.

The March 8 event will be held at Al Bateen Secondary School in Abu Dhabi and Ms Ali will offer health and nutrition advice, as well as a body combat and body attack class.

The boxing champ was chosen to host the event because she is “the epitome of an inspirational woman”, according to organiser Hania Kuleib, owner of Inspire Sports Management.

“She’s a mother, health and fitness expert, philanthropist, a television presenter, former boxer, and also a successful entrepreneur who has her own product lines,” said Ms Kuleib.

Ms Ali will also be touring the capital the day before the event to give talks on proactively preventing diabetes. The list of venues is yet to be finalised, but organisers said she would include at least one school visit in her tour.

“Our mission is to empower the women and children of the UAE to achieve their goals by inspiring them through fitness to lead healthier and happier lives,” said Ms Kuleib.

Ms Ali will be joined by three-time US champion bodybuilder Rachel Omolewu and local Zumba instructor Erika Losada.

The event will also raise funds for the public health campaign Diabetes-Knowledge-Action and Operation Smile, which helps treat facial deformities in children.

Ms Ali’s father made headlines this week amid claims he was “close to death” but family members denied reports his health was deteriorating.

eharnan@thenational.ae